UKRI-3547 Supply of a X-band Cassegrain Feed Tower & Frequency Selective Sub-Reflector for Chilbolton Observatory

Concepts

• swindon
• radio and radar equipment
• s-band
• band
• parabolic reflector antenna
• band cassegrain feed tower
• reflector
• a wide band x-band radar
• the wide bandwidth x-band radar
• a frequency selective sub reflector

Location

Oxfordshire

Description

The Chilbolton Observatory staff wish to implement dual frequency operation of the main 25m reflector using S-band at the prime focus point and X-band (8-12GHz) at a cassegrain feed point utilising a frequency selective sub reflector. The contract is to start in February 2024 and the system to be ideally delivered in the order of 10 months or sooner. The total value for this procurement is £470,000.00.

Total Quantity or Scope

The Chilbolton observatory operates a 25m diameter, prime focus, parabolic reflector antenna with an F/d ratio of 0.36. The antenna was commissioned in 1967 and has for many years been used with an S-band radar fed from the prime focus point. The main feed is undergoing an upgrade to implement monopulse tracking. At the same time the observatory would like to add a wide band X-band radar to the antenna for simultaneous operation with the S-band radar. The intention is to use the S-band radar for tracking and ranging of satellites while the wide bandwidth X-band radar is used for imaging. The antenna was commissioned in 1967 and there are no CAD drawings for the structure. Contractors may wish to visit the site to conduct a survey of the structure and check mounting points, access to the backing structure etc that will become important in the design, installation and alignment of the feed tower and the sub-reflector. It is not thought possible to integrate an X-band feed with the S-band monopulse feed at prime focus. The solution proposed is one used in satellite communications ground stations of having the S-band feed at the prime focus of the reflector and the X-band feed in a tower mounted in the centre of the dish forming a cassegrain arrangement with a frequency selective sub reflector. A fill list of Technical Requirements can be found within the Invitation to Tender documentation.

CPV Codes

• 32352100 - Parts of radio and radar equipment

Indicators

• Bids should cover the whole contract.
• Renewals are not available.
• Award on basis of price and quality.

Other Information

To respond to this opportunity please click here: https://ukri.delta-esourcing.com/respond/R23752ATYW The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement. For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at: <a href="https://ukri.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Swindon:-Parts-of-radio-and-radar-equipment./R23752ATYW" target="_blank">https://ukri.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Swindon:-Parts-of-radio-and-radar-equipment./R23752ATYW To respond to this opportunity, please click here: <a href="https://ukri.delta-esourcing.com/respond/R23752ATYW" target="_blank">https://ukri.delta-esourcing.com/respond/R23752ATYW GO Reference: GO-20231120-PRO-24501736