Tactical direction finding
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.
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.
Frequency range
500MHz–18GHz
DF accuracy
<2.5° RMS typical
Rapid Deployment Kits (RDKs)
2m Rolatube; 2m, 6m or 10m BlueSky Mast system
Setup time
approximately 20 minutes
by 1-2 personnel
Weatherproof
IP67
Compatible Nodes
RFeye 100-8, 100-18,
100-18 Node Plus, 100-40
Power system
Bren-Tronics battery
+ solar panel
Case & transport
Rugged Pelicase for
all-weather use
BROCHURE
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.
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
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