Tactical direction finding

DFH18 DIRECTION FINDING ANTENNA

The DFH18 is a Compact Direction-Finding Head operating from 500MHz to 18GHz. It combines high-precision direction-finding (AoA) with wideband spectrum monitoring 2D/3D TDoA in a rugged, tactical format.

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Overview

The DFH18 Direction Finding antenna is a robust, field-ready solution for real-time 500MHz–18GHz line-of-bearing (LOB) with a typical DF accuracy of less than 2.5° RMS. It is compatible with the RFeye Node 100-18 and RFeye Node 100-40 and can be attached to any existing RFeye Node.

Six high-performance spiral antennas with high-speed commutation and precise timing enable synchronized data correlation across multiple DF Heads and RFeye Nodes, delivering accurate geolocation of target signals using combined AoA and TDoA techniques.

LOBs can be overlaid onto a wide variety of maps, satellite images, and 2D / 3D GIS datasets to give a unique positional display showing source geolocation probabilities. All signal types in the range can be mapped, irrespective of signal power, bandwidth, or frequency.

Lightweight (7.5kg) and rapidly deployable, the DFH18 can be fully integrated into CRFS sensor networks and software ecosystems. Ideal for electromagnetic operations, border security, interference hunting, and wideband UHF/SHF/EHF COMINT/SIGINT operations.

CRFS offers a selection of interchangeable DF Heads designed for use with Rapid Deployment Kits (RDKs), allowing users to build a toolkit suited to each mission.

At a glance

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Frequency range
500MHz–18GHz

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DF accuracy
<2.5° RMS typical

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Rapid Deployment Kits (RDKs)
2m Rolatube; 2m, 6m or 10m BlueSky Mast system

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Setup time
approximately 20 minutes
by 1-2 personnel

ruggedized

Weatherproof
IP67

intelligent rf sensors

Compatible Nodes
RFeye 100-8, 100-18,
100-18 Node Plus, 100-40

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Power system 
Bren-Tronics battery
+ solar panel

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Case & transport
Rugged Pelicase for
all-weather use

Build your system

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Select an RFeye Node
Choose an RFeye Node based on your desired frequency range: 9kHz to 8GHz, 9kHz to 18GHz, 9kHz to 40GHz
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Choose your mast
Select a maximum mast height to suit your monitoring or DF requirements (2m, 6m, or 10m)
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View our range of Compact DF Heads
View our range of interchangeable Compact DF Heads
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Add optional accessories
Tailor the solution to your needs with our range of optional accessories
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BROCHURE

Compact DF Head Systems

Ideal for COMINT, SIGINT, ESM, and ISR operations, the system supports both real-time missions and persistent monitoring in dynamic electromagnetic environments. With five interchangeable Compact DF Heads and three RDK configurations, users can tailor deployments to meet specific mission requirements—delivering unmatched operational flexibility. 

Compact DF Head comparison

Feature SMA DFH500 DFH18 DFH40
Frequency range 10MHz–40GHz 30MHz-500MHz 500MHz–18GHz 500MHz–40GHz
Best suited for Wideband SIGINT, drone detection, ELINT VHF + low UHF multi-role missions Tactical VHF/UHF/SHF signal monitoring Tactical VHF/UHF/SHF/EHF signal monitoring
Signal types Comms, drone telemetry, radar, satcom VHF/UHF comms, burst & frequency-hopping Comms, drone telemetry, radar, satcom Comms, drone telemetry, radar, satcom
Deployment options 2m, 6m, or 10m mast 2m, 6m, or 10m mast 2m, 6m, or 10m mast 2m, 6m, or 10m mast
Setup time 10–20 minutes 10–20 minutes 10–20 minutes 10–20 minutes
Geolocation techniques AoA, TDoA (2D/3D), PoA AoA AoA, TDoA (2D/3D), PoA AoA, TDoA (2D/3D), PoA
Polarization All linear polarizations (spiral DF) Vertical only All linear polarizations (spiral DF) All linear polarizations (spiral DF)
Use case examples SIGINT/ELINT, UAS threat monitoring Border patrols, tactical teams, COMINT, EMCON SIGINT/ELINT, UAS threat monitoring, ISR SIGINT/ELINT, UAS threat monitoring, ISR
Compatible RFeye Nodes 100-8, 100-18, 100-18 Node Plus, 100-40 100-8, 100-18, 100-18 Node Plus, 100-40 100-8, 100-18, 100-18 Node Plus, 100-40 100-8, 100-18, 100-18 Node Plus, 100-40
Environmental rating (RDK) IP67 IP67 IP67 IP67
Power subsystem Bren-Tronics battery + solar panel Bren-Tronics battery + solar panel Bren-Tronics battery + solar panel Bren-Tronics battery + solar panel
Software integration RFeye Site, DeepView, API RFeye Site, DeepView, API RFeye Site, DeepView, API RFeye Site, DeepView, API

Talk to an advisor about Compact DF Head Systems

Explore Compact DF Head hardware

All Compact DF Head configurations are suitable for fixed, mobile, or transportable deployments.

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Spectrum Monitoring Antenna
Spectrum Monitoring Antenna
Compact wideband omnidirectional antennas covering 20MHz to 18/40GHz
DFH500
DFH500
Compact Direction Finding Head covering 30MHz to 500MHz
DFH18
DFH18
Compact Direction Finding Head covering 500MHz to 18GHz
DFH40
DFH40
Compact Direction Finding Head covering 500MHz to 40GHz

Discover software

A comprehensive software suite to monitor, capture, analyze, geolocate, and record signals of interest.

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RFeye Site
RFeye Site

RFeye Site is a toolbox to monitor the spectrum in real-time and geolocate signals in complex RF environments.

RFeye DeepView
RFeye DeepView

RFeye DeepView is a forensic signal analysis software solution offering a 100% probability of intercept.

RFeye Mission Manager
RFeye Mission Manager

RFeye Mission Manager is a toolset for automated spectrum management and near-time incident reporting.

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