Microwave reflector antenna

A microwave reflector antenna for use on an aircraft, the microwave reflector antenna comprising:

• a stationary plate attached to an aircraft and not moving relative to the aircraft;
• a rotary plate capable of rotating relative to the stationary plate about an azimuth axis;
• individual loose ball bearings positioned between the stationary plate and the rotary plate so that the rotary plate can rotate relative to the stationary plate about the azimuth axis;
• a rotary joint attached to the rotary plate and having an axis of rotation that is aligned with the azimuth axis so that rotation of the rotary plate causes the rotary joint to rotate about the azimuth axis;
• a reflector attached to the rotary plate and rotating about the azimuth axis with the rotation of the rotary plate;
• and
• an azimuth motor, the azimuth motor selectively causing the rotary plate to rotate about the azimuth axis.

A microwave reflector antenna for use on an aircraft, the microwave reflector antenna comprising:

• a stationary plate attached to an aircraft and having gear teeth that are integral to the stationary plate, the stationary plate not moving relative to the aircraft;
• a rotary plate capable of rotating relative to the stationary plate about an azimuth axis;
• a rotary joint attached to the rotary plate and having an axis of rotation that is aligned with the azimuth axis so that rotation of the rotary plate causes the rotary joint to rotate about the azimuth axis;
• a reflector attached to the rotary plate and rotating about the azimuth axis with the rotation of the rotary plate;
• and
• an azimuth motor attached to the rotary plate, the azimuth motor having a pinion gear with teeth that are complementary to and engaged with the gear teeth on the stationary plate, the azimuth motor selectively causing the rotary plate to rotate about the azimuth axis by rotating the pinion gear.