Step 01
Identify the exact radio
Manufacturer, nomenclature and variantSimilar-looking radio families can use different frequency coverage, connectors, accessories, control logic and approved operating limits.
Chameleon Military HF Capability Center
Start with the mission. Build the complete communications path.
A practical, public-source starting point for military and government teams choosing portable HF systems, regional NVIS, beyond-line-of-sight paths, directional UHF, operator resources, and the right commercial purchasing route.
Decision boundary: this center supports requirement definition and product evaluation. It does not replace receiving-unit engineering, spectrum management, COMSEC, safety, airworthiness, platform integration or command approval.
Military capability overview
See the complete antenna system before committing people, equipment, or time.
This page brings Chameleon Antenna’s military field systems, configuration guidance, operator resources, and engineering evidence into one practical decision path.
Use it to turn a broad mission need into a short list, compare deployment burden, understand the complete radio-to-antenna chain, open setup documentation, and review governed 2D and interactive 3D NEC patterns when engineering detail is useful.
Start the Mission Configuration GuideNEW HERE? START WITH THE GUIDED TOUR
Tour the complete military antenna decision path
In about seven minutes, see how to define an unclassified requirement, compare field-system families, qualify the complete radio chain, read NEC evidence, plan sustainment, and choose the right commercial purchasing route.
Continue to the Mission Configuration GuideMission Configuration Guide
Translate the requirement into a useful technical-support conversation.
You do not need to know antenna theory or arrive with a shopping list. Answer the operational questions you can answer. The guide will identify reasonable Chameleon families for discussion and flag what still needs to be confirmed.
Keep the answers unclassified.Do not enter classified information, CUI, exact operational locations, call signs, operational frequencies, deployment dates, or other mission-sensitive details. This public guide stores and sends nothing by itself.
Starting point—not an automatic recommendation
Candidates to review with Military Technical Support
Fast system comparison
Eliminate the obvious mismatches first.
This table compares roles and deployment burden. Open the detailed family record before treating any product as a candidate for a specific radio or mission.
On a phone, each system is presented as a readable comparison card.
| System | Spectrum / role | Mobility | Supports | Primary strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TACYAGI-70 | UHF directional LOS · 400–470 MHz | Dismounted / transportable | Handheld or suitable mount | Direction finding and focused line-of-sight work |
| MPAS 2.0 | HF · vertical and wire | Portable | None for vertical; support for wire | Broadest field configuration family |
| MPAS Lite | HF · vertical and wire | Lightweight portable | None for vertical; support for wire | Approximately 4 lb complete field package |
| TDL | HF · loop, vertical, and dipole | Portable | Configuration-dependent | Four documented geometries in one kit |
| LEFS 8010 | HF · supported wire | Lightweight portable | One or two | Low carriage burden with 80 m option |
| NVIS family | HF · regional / NVIS | Deliberate portable | Center support or overhead point | Purpose-oriented regional geometry |
| TD 2.0 + HPD | HF · adaptable wire | Portable / deliberate | Configuration-dependent | Baseline kit with longer-wire expansion |
| EMCOMM III Portable | HF · contingency wire | Portable | One or two | Compact alternate wire path |
| EMCOMM III Base | HF · deliberate wire | Fixed / transportable | One or more | Long radiator for deliberate low-band work |
| SKYLOOP 40 | HF · compact loop | Fixed / semi-fixed | Four | Smaller deliberate loop footprint |
| SKYLOOP 2.0 | HF · full-size loop | Fixed / semi-fixed | Four | Large-aperture multiband site system |
| PORTA-MAST | Mechanical support subsystem | Fixed / stationary vehicle | Documented mount | Repeatable portable antenna support |
Controlled field-system families
Choose by mission, footprint and operator burden
These are planning candidates—not military endorsements or automatic radio matches. Every operational build still requires an exact bill of material, authorized radio chain, field geometry, safety review, verification method and receiving-unit approval.
U.S. Army command posts & remote antenna farms
U.S. Army command posts and remote antenna farms
Operational context: HF can support command-post and beyond-line-of-sight continuity when terrain, distance, damaged infrastructure, congestion, or displacement makes shorter-range networks insufficient.
What to evaluate: Compare deliberate loop and wire systems for sustained sites, dedicated NVIS geometry for regional paths, and controlled portable verticals for constrained or rapidly changing positions. Preserve antenna separation, feed-line routing, grounding, lightning protection, electromagnetic compatibility, frequency planning, and the complete PACE role.
Approval boundary: A planning candidate is not Army adoption or authority to connect to a tactical radio. The receiving organization controls radio interfaces, spectrum, COMSEC, safety, siting, and configuration approval.
Read the U.S. Army HF and BLOS sourceU.S. Marine Corps expeditionary bases
U.S. Marine Corps expeditionary bases
Operational context: Expeditionary communications planning balances range, displacement time, transport burden, site footprint, operator workload, and the ability to rebuild a known configuration after movement.
What to evaluate: Compare portable modular HF systems, controlled field-wire configurations, and dedicated regional NVIS paths by setup time, support requirements, return-current control, frequency agility, and sustainment burden. A directional UHF antenna belongs to a separate line-of-sight planning path; the TACYAGI-70 covers 400–470 MHz and does not cover VHF.
Approval boundary: Civilian documentation remains a training reference when a ruggedized operational version is required. Unit engineering, spectrum, COMSEC, safety, and equipment-authority decisions remain controlling.
Read the Marine Corps HF planning sourceU.S. Navy shore / Seabee sites
U.S. Navy shore and Seabee sites
Operational context: Shore and contingency-construction teams may require HF continuity between dispersed land sites when terrestrial or satellite services are limited, unavailable, or reserved for other traffic.
What to evaluate: Deliberate loops and base wires suit sites with supports and space; portable systems support temporary or alternate positions. Record salt exposure, corrosion control, wind, soil, grounding, lightning protection, cable routing, antenna-farm separation, and the exact shore-site mission.
Approval boundary: Shore suitability does not establish shipboard qualification, topside integration, emissions control, or Navy system approval.
Read the U.S. Navy HF continuity sourceU.S. Air Force contingency locations
U.S. Air Force contingency locations
Operational context: HF can contribute to resilient communications at dispersed or contingency locations and to partner training where long-distance paths must remain available outside a single infrastructure dependency.
What to evaluate: Compare transportable loops, field wires, NVIS systems, and portable verticals by path, setup time, footprint, support availability, frequency plan, trained crew, and repeatability. Include airfield and facility siting restrictions, grounding, lightning protection, and electromagnetic compatibility.
Approval boundary: No antenna selection here establishes airworthiness, flight-line authorization, frequency approval, cybersecurity, COMSEC, or integration with an Air Force radio system.
Read the U.S. Air Force HF training sourceU.S. Space Force ground-support continuity
U.S. Space Force ground-support continuity
Operational context: Terrestrial HF can be evaluated as one continuity layer for ground-support activities; it is not presented as a substitute for satellite command, tracking, telemetry, or protected mission networks.
What to evaluate: Focus on fixed or transportable ground-site configurations, alternate communications paths, antenna siting, interference control, spectrum coordination, facility grounding, cybersecurity boundaries, and trained operating procedures.
Approval boundary: A commercial HF antenna does not establish compatibility with space systems, protected networks, mission data, classified operations, or a Space Force technical baseline.
Read the Space Force terrestrial-continuity sourceU.S. Coast Guard shore & SAR support
U.S. Coast Guard shore and search-and-rescue support
Operational context: Remote shore stations, temporary response sites, and high-latitude evaluations can place unusual demands on communications range, weather tolerance, logistics, and local infrastructure.
What to evaluate: Compare portable and fixed HF paths by deployment speed, regional versus long-distance coverage, wind and ice exposure, corrosion, ground conditions, support security, generator or battery availability, and the need to reproduce the installation during a response.
Approval boundary: Shore or field evaluation does not establish cutter installation, marine environmental qualification, SAR-system certification, or authorization for a Coast Guard radio chain.
Read the U.S. Coast Guard evaluation sourceU.S. SOCOM-support & partner HQ
U.S. SOCOM-support and partner headquarters
Operational context: Publicly described special-operations support and partner-capacity activities can require equipment familiarization, fixed support, headquarters continuity, and interoperability planning.
What to evaluate: Use the controlled product and pattern evidence for equipment-selection, support-site, and partner-headquarters decisions. Define the radio chain, waveform, spectrum, path, deployment signature, transport burden, sustainment, and receiving-organization approvals before selecting hardware.
Approval boundary: No infiltration, concealment, low-probability-of-intercept, signature-management, special-operations adoption, or mission-suitability claim is made.
Read the U.S. SOCOM public capability sourceNATO partner HQ
NATO partner headquarters
Operational context: A partner headquarters needs more than a common connector. Interoperability depends on compatible standards, frequencies, waveforms, channel plans, security rules, equipment profiles, operating procedures, and national authorization.
What to evaluate: Begin with the NATO Interoperability Standards and Profiles record, then identify the participating nations, authorized radio systems, network role, HF path, interface standards, information-assurance boundary, training plan, spares, and configuration-control process. Evaluate the antenna only as one subsystem in that governed chain.
Approval boundary: A Chameleon antenna does not create NATO interoperability, establish NATO codification, satisfy a national cryptographic requirement, or replace host-nation and receiving-headquarters approval.
Read the NATO interoperability standards profileRetired scope boundary: service labels identified plausible planning environments only and never implied adoption or approval.
Directional UHF field system · 400–470 MHzCHA TACYAGI-70Portable directional antenna for line-of-sight work and direction-finding exercises
A compact directional UHF antenna for situations where bearing, front-to-back discrimination, or a focused line-of-sight path matters more than omnidirectional coverage. The controlled user guide specifies 400–470 MHz; this product is not presented as a VHF antenna. It belongs in a separate planning path from the HF systems on this page.
- Primary role
- Directional UHF line-of-sight communication, signal location, and direction-finding familiarization from 400–470 MHz
- Field use
- Handheld or installed on a suitable documented support after the frequency, connector, polarization, bearing, and radio chain are confirmed
- Documented evidence
- Published use by U.S. Marine Corps personnel during Steel Knight and by West Point instructors in a directional-antenna exercise
- Boundary
- Documented evaluation or instructional use does not constitute military adoption, endorsement, or qualification for every radio
Advantages
- Portable directional capability
- Useful for direction finding and focused LOS paths
- Documented military evaluation and instructional use
Limits
- Not an HF or NVIS antenna
- Bearing and polarization must be managed
- Exact radio interface still requires confirmation
Fixed / semi-fixed · compact loopCHA SKYLOOP 40Compact four-support loop for deliberate regional and BLOS planning
A 141-foot, four-support loop with a known near-square electrical footprint for command posts and alternate sites.
- Electrical footprint
- 35 ft 3 in (10.74 m) of radiator per side in the intended near-square layout; support points sit beyond the insulated corners
- Mechanical relief
- Do not stretch the radiator taut. Corner hardware and support lines must absorb support movement and weather loading rather than transferring it to the antenna wire or feed point
- Starting height
- Approximately 30 ft after site and support verification
- Starting bands
- 40 m and 20 m without a tuner only when the installed system verifies acceptably; other documented bands require an approved tuner
- Military wire
- Controlled 14 AWG tinned-copper conductor, PTFE insulation and braided Kevlar reinforcement
Advantages
- Known, repeatable near-square geometry
- Smaller footprint than SKYLOOP 2.0
- Useful for deliberate regional and BLOS planning
Limits
- Not a rapid manpack system
- Needs four supports, mechanical relief and site security
- Civilian and military variants are not interchangeable records
Model boundary: Seven product-specific EZNEC far-field cases supplied for the 141 ft loop remain valid source-governed evidence. The representative 20 m 3D view is a disclosed reconstruction from the supplied azimuth and elevation cuts—not a native rerun—because the original wire coordinates, segmentation, source, numerical ground constants, loss controls, and absolute reference azimuth were not supplied.
Fixed / semi-fixed · full-size loopCHA SKYLOOP 2.0Large four-support loop for headquarters and continuity sites
A 286-foot, four-support horizontal loop with a known near-square electrical footprint for headquarters, continuity sites and remote antenna farms.
- Electrical footprint
- 71 ft 6 in (21.79 m) of radiator per side in the intended near-square layout
- Support geometry
- The product documentation calls for four supports at least 72 ft apart and a 30–40 ft starting height
- Mechanical relief
- Do not pull the radiator tight enough to restrain moving supports. Use the corner isolation and support-line system to carry wind, temperature and weather movement
- Coverage
- 3.5–54 MHz with a suitable approved wide-range tuner or coupler
- Military wire
- Controlled 14 AWG tinned-copper conductor, PTFE insulation and braided Kevlar reinforcement
Advantages
- Known, repeatable near-square geometry
- Broad multiband planning range
- Large aperture for deliberate base use
- Multiple azimuth paths without physically rotating the antenna
Limits
- Large footprint and four supports
- Site-specific support and weather-load planning remains mandatory
- Higher visual and physical site signature
- Not qualified here for shipboard installation
Portable modular HFCHA MPAS 2.0Broad portable family for rapid vertical and supported-wire configurations
The broadest portable configuration family in this center. Its documented vertical paths include CHA MIL WHIP 2.0 and CHA MIL EXT 2.0 radiator components above the governed MPAS feed system; they are configurations of CHA MPAS 2.0, not separate antenna-system families. Use the CHA MINI feed unit when its higher-power ICAS boundary matches the exact authorized radio chain.
- Configurations
- Documented rapid and extended vertical, sloper, inverted-V, horizontal NVIS and mixed wire starting paths
- Vertical components
- CHA MIL WHIP 2.0 and CHA MIL EXT 2.0 serve as radiator components within the exact MPAS 2.0 configuration; the selected radial or counterpoise remains part of that complete system.
- CHA MINI
- 500 W SSB / 100 W other modes ICAS product ceiling; the radio, tuner/coupler, feed line and configuration may impose lower limits
- Operator burden
- Fast once trained; greater choice demands stronger configuration control
Advantages
- One kit covers changing field constraints
- Existing operator and unit-led familiarization resources
- Useful across primary through emergency roles
Limits
- More parts and more decision points
- A tuner match does not prove performance
- Exact interface approval remains mandatory
Rapid multiform field systemCHA TDLDelta loop, vertical, horizontal dipole, and V-dipole options
A compact Tactical Delta Loop system that can be configured as an inverted delta loop, ground-mounted vertical, horizontal dipole for NVIS work, or V dipole. The selected geometry—not the product name alone—defines the pattern and operating boundary.
- Complete field set
- Two 17 ft telescoping whips, 25 ft loop wire, matching transformer, ground spike, mounting hub, 50 ft coax, and deployment hardware
- Documented range
- 3.5–54 MHz with configuration-dependent tuning and verification; the guide identifies 10:1 through 54 MHz as the most effective operating region
- Deployment
- One trained operator; approximately five minutes for a practiced setup
- Power boundary
- HYBRID MICRO: 100 W SSB voice / 25 W other modes ICAS. HYBRID MINI: 500 W SSB voice / 100 W other modes ICAS. The complete chain may impose lower limits.
Advantages
- Four documented field geometries in one compact system
- Fast, single-operator deployment
- Balanced and vertical options support changing site constraints
Limits
- Each geometry requires its own orientation and support record
- Low-band operation is electrically shortened and installation-dependent
- A tuner match does not establish efficiency or link performance
Lightweight modular HFCHA MPAS LiteApproximately four pounds with vertical and supported-wire paths
A lighter modular field system for vertical, end-fed inverted-V, sloping-wire, and horizontal NVIS configurations when carriage burden and rapid reconfiguration matter.
- Complete field set
- CHA HYBRID MICRO or MINI, 60 ft antenna/counterpoise wire, SS17 17 ft whip, 50 ft coax with integrated RFI choke, spike mount, and deployment hardware
- Documented range
- 1.8–54 MHz with a suitable tuner; shortened-system performance is limited below 7 MHz
- Vertical return
- The representative vertical uses a 25 ft counterpoise from the feed point on model-relative −X; +Z follows the SS17 radiator and +Y is perpendicular in the ground plane
- Deployment
- One trained operator; approximately five minutes. Optional 25 ft counterpoise kit and SS25 support additional documented paths.
Advantages
- Approximately 4 lb field package
- Four documented antenna geometries
- Rapid transition between vertical and supported-wire roles
Limits
- Performance below 7 MHz is constrained by electrical shortening
- Whip height, wire bearing, supports, and return path must be recorded
- HYBRID choice changes the permissible power boundary
Lightweight end-fed field wireCHA LEFS 8010130 ft combined-wire 80 m configuration first; 63 ft standard configuration also preserved
A lightweight end-fed half-wave system for sloper and horizontal NVIS deployments. The military page prioritizes the full 130 ft combined-wire configuration because it provides the documented 80 m path. The 63 ft standard radiator remains a separate, fully identified evidence case for the higher-band configuration.
- Documented bands
- 80, 60, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12, and 10 m without a tuner when the installed system verifies acceptably; 6 m with a suitable tuner
- Standard sloper
- Documented field starting geometry places the feed end approximately 7 ft high and the far support approximately 25 ft high; record the wire bearing as a signed model axis
- Horizontal NVIS
- Documented starting height approximately 15 ft with two suitable supports
- Power boundary
- 500 W SSB / 250 W CW / 150 W digital product ceiling; the complete approved chain may impose lower limits
Advantages
- Approximately 1.5 lb standard or 2.5 lb with the 80 m extension
- No tuner required on the documented 80–10 m band set after installed verification
- Sloper and horizontal NVIS starting geometries
Limits
- Needs one or two suitable supports and controlled feed-line routing
- The 80 m path requires the full 130 ft extended radiator
- Current NEC coil geometry is approximate modeled and uncorrelated
Regional HF / NVISCHA NVIS familyPurpose-oriented crossed-dipole geometry for regional HF planning
A purpose-oriented regional-HF starting system when skip-zone coverage, repeatable geometry and deliberate frequency planning matter.
- Documented geometry
- Two crossed sloping dipoles at right angles from a 15 ft center support. Each long leg uses 38 ft of radiator plus 7 ft of support line; each short leg uses 25 ft of radiator plus 20 ft of support line. All four stakes begin 45 ft from center, producing an approximately 85 ft stake-to-stake working footprint.
- Feed and support
- Documented matching transformer at center; owner-confirmed 9:1 ratio. The center may be mast-supported or suspended from a suitable overhead support at 15 ft or greater.
- Operator class
- Two trained personnel; approximately 15-minute deliberate setup. Use an approved tuner on frequencies that require it.
- Product boundary
- The current civilian CHA NVIS SKU is not represented as military suitable; route operational requirements to the ruggedized military channel.
Advantages
- Mission-specific regional starting geometry
- Easier to reproduce than an improvised wire
- Supports structured propagation familiarization
Limits
- No guaranteed local coverage bubble
- Ionosphere, height, soil and frequency dominate
- Exact military BOM must be controlled
Adaptable field wire · baseline plus expansionCHA TD 2.0 + CHA HPDBaseline tactical dipole with an optional two-wire expansion set
Start with TD 2.0. Add the HPD only when the selected documented geometry benefits from longer wire elements or counterpoises and the site can support them.
TD 2.0 aloneComplete baseline tactical-dipole system9 documented configuration paths
- Lower carriage and site burden
- Faster configuration choice
- Best when available space is constrained
TD 2.0 + HPDHPD adds two 108-foot tinned-copper, PTFE, Kevlar-core wire assemblies15 documented configuration paths
- More low-band geometry choices
- Can replace documented antenna or counterpoise wire positions
- Requires more space, support and configuration discipline
Evidence boundary: HPD is not a stand-alone antenna. The published average 2.6 dB improvement below 14 MHz is a controlled-model result for specified counterpoise arrangements—not guaranteed field gain. Never substitute HPD into an undocumented position.
Deliberate base / continuity wireCHA EMCOMM III BASE130 ft wire system for headquarters and fixed continuity sites
A 130-foot wire system for headquarters, emergency operations, alternate sites and remote fixed positions where supports and setup time are available.
- Documented range
- 10–160 m across configuration-dependent horizontal, sloper, inverted-V, inverted-L, dipole and NVIS arrangements
- Product ceiling
- 200 W SSB / 100 W CW / 100 W digital; the complete approved chain may impose lower limits
- Wire
- Tinned copper, PTFE insulation and Kevlar reinforcement
Advantages
- Long radiator supports deliberate low-band work
- Several documented site geometries
- Suitable starting point for base continuity plans
Limits
- Needs suitable supports and site space
- Geometry and feed-line control must be recorded
- Commercial product rating is not system qualification
Rapid alternate / contingency wireCHA EMCOMM III PORTABLECompact wire system for trained alternate and contingency roles
A compact 73-foot radiator and 25-foot counterpoise system for rapid wire deployments where the operator has a suitable support and a controlled radio chain.
- Documented range
- 6–160 m with the required approved tuner or coupler and an installation suited to the band
- Product ceiling
- 100 W SSB / 50 W CW / 25 W high-duty digital; the complete chain may impose lower limits
- Product boundary
- The current civilian SKU is not represented as military suitable; operational use requires the ruggedized military version
Advantages
- Compact and comparatively rapid
- Useful as trained PACE fallback
- Multiple one- and two-support arrangements
Limits
- Lower power ceiling than BASE
- Support, return path and geometry still matter
- Civilian documentation cannot replace a military kit record
Field support · controlled configurationCHA PORTA-MASTPortable fixed or stationary-vehicle antenna support subsystem
A portable support option for compatible wire and lightweight antenna deployments. It may be installed on a vehicle with the documented CHA HITCH MOUNT or CHA WHEEL MOUNT, or on a suitable structure with the documented fixed-mount path. It is a mechanical subsystem—not a radiation model or a universal approval for every antenna.
- Vehicle-supported path
- Park and secure the vehicle before raising the mast. Use the documented CHA HITCH MOUNT or CHA WHEEL MOUNT, record the selected mount and mast height, and never move the vehicle while the temporary system is deployed.
- Configuration control
- Record the attached antenna, attachment point, deployed mast height, documented mount, feed-line strain relief, terrain, wind area, and environmental limit. The attached antenna retains its own feed and RF-return requirements.
- No-guy boundary
- No guy wires are required when CHA PORTA-MAST is installed with a documented mount and operated within the controlled wind-area and survival limits. This does not waive mount, antenna-load, clearance, or weather checks.
- Configuration boundary
- Specify the complete mast, documented mount, adapter, attached antenna, and RF configuration rather than selecting an undefined support.
Advantages
- Repeatable fixed or vehicle-supported path
- Documented HITCH MOUNT and WHEEL MOUNT choices
- Reviewed B3D 120 ft cases at 15 ft and 20 ft
Limits
- Other antennas require their own native cases
- No universal wind or vehicle-load rating is inferred here
- Mount selection, clearance, weather, and safety approval remain mandatory
Where each family deserves evaluation
Directional UHF · 400–470 MHzTACYAGI-70 for line-of-sight, signal-location, and direction-finding evaluation
Command post / HQSKYLOOP 2.0, SKYLOOP 40, EMCOMM III BASE, MPAS 2.0, and LEFS 8010
Regional / NVISCHA NVIS, TD 2.0 + HPD, CHA TDL, MPAS Lite, LEFS 8010, EMCOMM III BASE, and MPAS wire configurations
Rapid portable fallbackMPAS 2.0—including its controlled vertical configurations—CHA TDL, MPAS Lite, LEFS 8010, TD 2.0, or ruggedized EMCOMM III PORTABLE
Portable supportCHA PORTA-MAST only after antenna, attachment height, anchoring and environmental limits are defined
Shore / littoral fixed supportSKYLOOP family, LEFS 8010, and EMCOMM III BASE after environmental and site review
Coalition / partner HQAny exact approved configuration; interoperability comes from the complete authorized radio and waveform chain—not the antenna alone
Special-operations supportEvaluate for portable, fixed-support, familiarization, and partner-HQ roles; no infiltration, concealment, or signature claim is made
Public mission-planning sources: U.S. Army HF and BLOS · U.S. Marine Corps HF planning · U.S. Navy HF continuity · U.S. Air Force HF training · U.S. Space Force terrestrial continuity · U.S. Coast Guard HF evaluation · U.S. SOCOM public capability scope · NATO interoperability standards profile. These sources establish mission context only; they do not approve a Chameleon configuration.
Complete radio-chain review
A connector fit is not a system qualification
Start with the exact authorized radio and follow the transmit path to the antenna. Military Systems & Technical Support needs the chain below before confirming a configuration.
Step 02
Define the transmit chain
Amplifier, tuner or coupler, choke and feed lineRecord every component between the radio and antenna. The lowest power, duty-cycle and environmental limit governs the complete chain.
Step 03
State the communications requirement
Authorized spectrum, waveform and duty cycleHF regional or BLOS work, VHF/UHF line-of-sight work and directional signal-location work require different antenna paths.
Step 04
Confirm the installed interface
Connector, cable, platform, support and RF returnA mechanical adapter establishes fit only. It does not prove matching, power handling, common-mode control, radiation performance or platform approval.
Configuration boundary: Chameleon can identify a commercial antenna starting point and the required accessories. The receiving organization remains responsible for radio authorization, spectrum, COMSEC, waveform, cybersecurity, platform integration, safety and final acceptance.
CHA MPAS 2.0 - MIL operator resources
Understand the system—not merely the assembly.
The MPAS 2.0 - MIL supports documented vertical and wire configurations for an approved radio-and-coupler chain. These setup and familiarization resources help customers relate each arrangement to the intended path, available supports, site limits, and verification method.
Service boundary: Chameleon provides product documentation and technical support. Chameleon does not provide military instruction, field courses, or certified training.
1.8–54 MHzDocumented product coverage
500 W SSB250 W CW; 100 W FM/digital ceiling
<5 / <15 minVertical / wire setup class
1 operator8 lb 12 oz complete kit
Unit-led familiarization resource
MPAS 2.0 - MIL Briefing & Field Guide
A 46-page, service-neutral product-support package covering accountability, configuration selection, propagation, power, SWR, safety, deployment, verification, troubleshooting, recovery, and practical exercises. Units may use it for their own familiarization; it is not a Chameleon-delivered course.
Open briefing and field guideControlling product document
Operator’s manual
Use the current manual for exact kit contents, assembly, ratings, configuration diagrams, maintenance and safety.
Open official manual →Technical reference
MPAS handbook in the CKB
Continue into setup, compatibility, deployment planning, troubleshooting, and power handling.
Open CKB handbook →Bounded field and instructional evidence
Use reports to ask better questions—not to promise universal results
These accounts describe specific third-party evaluations and instructional use. Chameleon does not provide military training, and receiving organizations must validate the antenna with their radios, sites, frequencies, procedures and measurement methods.
Published operational evaluation
U.S. Marine Corps personnel · Steel Knight
In the documented evaluation, the TACYAGI-70 was used as a directional alternative for UHF line-of-sight links. Reported outcomes apply to the tested conditions.
“I would buy this antenna for the squadron. Its price point is unbeatable and we don’t organically possess any directional antennas.”
Published instructional application
United States Military Academy
West Point instructors selected ten TACYAGI-70 antennas for a directional-antenna exercise involving beacon location, signal-strength observation and decoding.
“These Cha Yagis are absolutely fantastic and have helped me make this an exceptionally effective lesson.”
How to read the engineering evidence
Understand what the pattern shows before using it in a decision
NEC predicts the far-field behavior of one declared computer model. It is not a photograph of RF, a coverage map, a propagation forecast, or a guarantee of installed performance.
92-SECOND PATTERN BRIEFING
Read NEC evidence as an operator—not as a mathematician
See how installation identity, elevation, azimuth, lobes, nulls and model limits turn a simulation into a better field-planning question without turning it into a performance promise.
Open the complete Pattern School- 01
Read the identity first
Confirm the product, frequency, geometry, height, ground, return system, solver, and evidence status. A changed setup is a different case.
- 02
Orient the 2D view
Elevation is a side view: 0° is the horizon and 90° is overhead. Azimuth is a view from above at the stated elevation.
- 03
Find lobes and nulls
Bulges show favored modeled directions. Deep inward notches show reduced response and can matter more than a small gain advantage.
- 04
Read the dB scale correctly
On a normalized plot, 0 dB is that plot’s strongest direction and −3 dB is about half its power density. It does not mean 0 dBi gain.
- 05
Use 3D for the whole shape
Rotate the volume to relate the 2D cuts. Its size is relative pattern level—not physical distance, range, visible RF, or field strength.
- 06
Translate it into the requirement
Ask whether the useful directions, elevation angles, polarization, and nulls fit the intended path. Then read the stated omissions and limits.
Fast decision rule
If you only need equipment-selection guidance, read “What the decision-maker should understand” in each record. If the pattern will influence engineering or emplacement, open the complete plain-language lesson first.
Open the complete NEC Pattern SchoolOptional engineering evidence · 2D + 3D
Open pattern evidence when the mission requires it
These representative accepted NEC-4 cases remain available after the mission, system, radio-chain, operator-resource, and field-evidence sections.
Open the expandable pattern evidenceMission-relevant pattern evidence
See representative antenna behavior before choosing a field configuration
These accepted HF and UHF NEC-4 cases expose the direction and elevation tendencies most useful during early site and mission planning. They are selected examples—not sales promises. Open the full laboratory for every accepted frequency, geometry, assumption and evidence boundary.
Directional UHF field systemCHA TACYAGI-70 · 430 MHzOwner-measured three-element geometry · free-space modelReviewed NEC-4
This representative TACYAGI-70 case shows the directional behavior of the owner-measured three-element geometry at 430 MHz. It supports line-of-sight and direction-finding discussion; it is not a field-range guarantee or a substitute for the complete radio, feed-line, polarization, mounting, terrain and interference review.
Controlled model record
Three-element Yagi in free space; boom points toward model-relative +X
The reflector, driven element and director follow the controlled measured geometry. +X is the modeled forward direction, +Y is transverse to the boom, and +Z is up in the displayed reference. The source, gamma-match, feed line, handheld or mounted support, nearby conductors, operator coupling, terrain, polarization mismatch and complete RF-chain losses are not correlated.
Drag to rotate · scroll or pinch to zoom
Loading interactive pattern…
What the decision-maker should understand
The forward lobe and rear rejection belong to this exact modeled orientation. Rotating the antenna changes the coverage bearing, and rotating its polarization changes compatibility with the other station. Actual usable range remains controlled by the complete link and operating environment.
Evidence state: simulation from owner-measured geometry · feed and installed environment uncorrelated · normalized pattern shape, not measured realized performance.
Supplied model evidence · compact loopCHA SKYLOOP 40 · horizontal loop · 20 m141 ft near-square loop · 30 ft · supplied EZNEC cutsSupplied EZNEC
This record restores the product-specific 20 m evidence from the supplied seven-band EZNEC set. The two-dimensional image is the supplied azimuth-and-elevation plot. The interactive volume is a normalized reconstruction constrained by those two supplied cuts; it is not an independent native rerun.
Controlled source record
141 ft near-square loop in the X–Y plane; 30 ft over Real Ground; +Z up
The supplied evidence identifies a nominal 141 ft horizontal loop at 30 ft over the EZNEC “Real Ground” selection and reports 6.4 dBi maximum modeled gain at 14 MHz. Model-relative +X follows the supplied azimuth plot's zero-degree reference, +Y is perpendicular in the horizontal plane, and +Z is up. The absolute compass bearing, numerical ground constants, original wire coordinates, segmentation, source definition, transformer loss, feed-line representation, and conductor-loss controls were not supplied.
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What the decision-maker should understand
The supplied 20 m model shows broad rounded-square azimuth behavior with medium-angle elevation lobes and reduced zenith response. Because only two cuts and not the original model were supplied, use the reconstructed volume to understand those disclosed tendencies—not to infer unshown angular detail or compare absolute gain against a native case.
Source record: CHA-SKYLOOP-40-SUPPLIED-CUTS-30FT-20260815-R001-20M
CHA MPAS 2.0 · extended verticalCHA MPAS 2.0 extended vertical · 40 mHYBRID-MINI · MIL EXT 2.0 · MIL WHIP 2.0 radiator · 25 ft radialReviewed NEC-4
A native MPAS 2.0 configuration using the HYBRID-MINI feed assembly, CHA MIL EXT 2.0, CHA MIL WHIP 2.0 radiator component, and one 25 ft ground radial.
Controlled setup record
HYBRID-MINI feed; extension plus whip radiator; radial on −Y
The governed feed point and integrated RFI choke are at the base of CHA MIL EXT 2.0 on the CHA HYBRID-MINI. Four nominal 28 in extension sections contribute 106 in of deployed conductor; the equal 2 in overlap at each extension joint is derived from the published 218 in combined height. The 112 in CHA MIL WHIP 2.0 radiator component and its disclosed taper continue above the extension on +Z. One 25 ft ground radial extends from the feed point along model-relative −Y, with +X perpendicular in the ground plane.
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What the decision-maker should understand
This is a complete CHA MPAS 2.0 configuration. CHA MIL WHIP 2.0 and CHA MIL EXT 2.0 are radiator components—not independent antennas. The radial and elevated-counterpoise returns are independently modeled; neither result qualifies an unspecified vehicle installation.
Model: CHA-MIL-EXT-WHIP-RADIAL25-20260815-R003-40M-PRIMARY
Regional HF / dedicated NVISCHA NVIS · crossed dipoles · 40 m15 ft center · 38 ft and 25 ft radiator pairsReviewed NEC-4
The dedicated CHA NVIS product geometry replaces the older MPAS horizontal-wire preview; no neighboring antenna is substituted as product evidence.
Controlled setup record
Crossed, sloping dipoles at a 15 ft center
One pair uses two 38 ft radiator legs and the perpendicular pair uses two 25 ft legs. Four paracord runs continue to stakes 45 ft from the center, producing the documented approximately 85 ft footprint. The model boundary is the ideal 9:1 antenna terminal; transformer and coax loss are excluded.
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What the decision-maker should understand
The high-angle tendency supports regional-path planning, but it does not promise coverage. Frequency, ionosphere, ground, noise, installed loss, and both stations still determine the usable link.
Model: CHA-NVIS-CROSSED-15FT-20260815-R003-40M-PRIMARY
Rapid multiform field systemCHA TDL · inverted delta loop · 20 m25 ft loop wire · two 17 ft support whipsReviewed NEC-4
A native product-specific case for the documented inverted delta loop—not a pattern borrowed from another loop or dipole.
Controlled setup record
25 ft loop wire with two 17 ft support whips; loop plane on X–Z
The feed point is 6 in above average ground at model-relative X=0, Y=0. Two equal sloping conductor legs rise toward −X and +X to 11.84 ft, and the top conductor closes the 25.33 ft span between them. The entire loop lies in the X–Z plane; +Y is perpendicular to the loop and +Z is up. The antenna-terminal model excludes the matching-network loss, coax current, supports, and nearby conductors.
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What the decision-maker should understand
Broadside and reduced-response directions follow the stated loop plane. Rotating the physical deployment rotates those directions. The accepted shape is simulated and uncorrelated; it does not include matching-network or feed-line loss.
Model: CHA-TDL-INVERTED-DELTA-TERMINAL-20260808-R001-20M-PRIMARY
Lightweight rapid verticalCHA MPAS Lite · SS17 vertical · 20 m17 ft SS17 on +Z · 25 ft counterpoise on −XReviewed NEC-4
A native MPAS Lite vertical case with the radiator and RF return explicitly assigned to signed model axes.
Controlled setup record
17 ft SS17 on +Z; 25 ft counterpoise on −X
The antenna-terminal feed point is 6 in above average ground. The fully extended SS17 radiator rises 17 ft on model-relative +Z. One 25 ft counterpoise leaves the feed point on −X and terminates approximately 0.8 in above ground; +Y is perpendicular in the ground plane. HYBRID, coax, choke, common-mode current, supports, and nearby conductors are excluded.
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What the decision-maker should understand
The asymmetric return is part of the modeled antenna, so its −X direction must be preserved in the deployment record. A different counterpoise, vehicle body, radial kit, or mount is a different installed system.
Model: MPAS-LITE-VERTICAL-20260808-R003-20M
Priority 80 m horizontal NVISCHA LEFS 8010 · combined 130 ft horizontal · 80 m130 ft radiator at 15 ft · wire on +XReviewed NEC-4
A native LEFS 8010 case using both supplied wire sections as one 130 ft radiator. This is the featured military reference because the complete combined-wire configuration provides the documented 80 m path.
Controlled setup record
130 ft wire at 15 ft; terminal at origin; radiator on +X
The antenna-terminal source begins at X=0, Y=0, Z=15 ft. The full 130 ft conductor—including the modeled six-turn loading coil beginning approximately 69 in from the terminal—continues horizontally in the model-relative +X direction at 15 ft. +Y is perpendicular to the wire and +Z is up. The 49:1 transformer, feed line, choke, supports, nearby conductors, and all losses are excluded.
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What the decision-maker should understand
The 130 ft combined-wire installation is the relevant 80 m configuration. Its wire follows +X in this model; rotating the installed wire rotates the azimuth reference. The high-angle tendency supports NVIS planning, but the result remains uncorrelated simulation with approximate modeled coil geometry—not calibrated realized gain.
Model: CHA-LEFS-8010-EXTENDED-HORIZONTAL-20260809-R003-80M-PRIMARY
Lightweight horizontal NVISCHA LEFS 8010 · standard 63 ft horizontal · 40 m63 ft radiator at 15 ft · wire on +XReviewed NEC-4
A native LEFS 8010 case using the 63 ft standard radiator and the approximate modeled physical loading-coil geometry.
Controlled setup record
63 ft wire at 15 ft; terminal at origin; radiator on +X
The antenna-terminal source begins at X=0, Y=0, Z=15 ft. The 63 ft conductor—including the modeled six-turn loading coil approximately 69 in from the terminal—continues horizontally in the model-relative +X direction at 15 ft. +Y is perpendicular to the wire and +Z is up. The 49:1 transformer, feed line, choke, supports, nearby conductors, and all losses are excluded.
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What the decision-maker should understand
The wire direction is +X in this model; rotating the installation rotates its real-world azimuth reference. The high-angle tendency supports NVIS planning, but this remains uncorrelated simulation with approximate modeled coil geometry—not calibrated realized gain.
Model: CHA-LEFS-8010-STANDARD-HORIZONTAL-20260809-R003-40M-PRIMARY
Deliberate full-size loopCHA SKYLOOP 2.0 · horizontal loop · 20 m286 ft near-square loop · 35 ft modeled heightReviewed NEC-4
A native product-specific case for the full-size CHA SKYLOOP 2.0. It is not the compact CHA SKYLOOP 40 and does not inherit that product's source model.
Controlled setup record
Near-square loop in the X–Y plane; +Z is up
The 286 ft closed radiator is modeled as a horizontal near-square loop 35 ft above average ground. X and Y define the two loop-side references; +Z is vertical. Feed system, feed-line current, conductor and transformer loss, support movement, terrain, and nearby structures remain outside the normalized pattern result.
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What the decision-maker should understand
Upper-band lobes and reduced-response sectors must be oriented deliberately. This normalized model supports site planning; it does not establish installed gain, efficiency, bandwidth, or a guaranteed path.
Model: CHA-SKYLOOP-2-HORIZONTAL-35FT-20260808-R001-20M-PRIMARY
Adaptable terminated field wireCHA TD 2.0 · 60 ft terminated inverted-V · 40 mNative TD 2.0 configuration · antenna-relative axes statedReviewed NEC-4
A dedicated native case for the complete CHA TD 2.0 using its two 60 ft radiator wires, termination, transformer boundary, and inverted-V geometry.
Controlled setup record
Wire span on X; +Y perpendicular; +Z up
The two radiator arms descend in opposite signed X directions from the center support. +Y is perpendicular to the wire span and +Z is up. The accepted pattern is antenna-terminal simulation; transformer, termination, feed-line, choke, conductor, joint, support, soil, and site losses are not calibrated field measurements.
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What the decision-maker should understand
This is one controlled TD 2.0 geometry. Selecting another documented wire length, termination arrangement, height, or orientation selects a different pattern record.
Model: CHA-TD2-TERMINATED-IV-60-20260815-R003-40M-PRIMARY
TD 2.0 expansion configurationCHA TD 2.0 + CHA HPD · 108 ft terminated sloping-V · 40 mHPD radiator-wire expansion · 90-degree included angleReviewed NEC-4
A native HPD-expanded TD 2.0 case using both 108 ft radiator wires. CHA HPD remains an expansion set, not a stand-alone feed system.
Controlled setup record
Sloping-V arms referenced to X and Y; +Z is up
The two documented 108 ft radiator arms form the modeled 90-degree sloping-V. The signed X–Y references preserve its azimuth orientation and +Z is up. Transformer, termination, feed-line, choke, conductor, support, soil, and installed losses remain excluded from this normalized shape.
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What the decision-maker should understand
The HPD wires expand the available TD 2.0 geometries; they do not by themselves guarantee the published average improvement in an uncontrolled field installation.
Model: CHA-HPD-TERMINATED-SV90-108-20260815-R003-40M-PRIMARY
Deliberate base wireCHA EMCOMM III BASE · half-square · 40 m130 ft system · native product configurationReviewed NEC-4
A native CHA EMCOMM III BASE half-square case selected from the accepted product-wide configuration family.
Controlled setup record
Half-square plane on X–Z; counterpoise on −Y
The half-square rises and extends in the model-relative X–Z plane; +Z is up. Its 52 ft counterpoise leaves the feed point on −Y, while +Y is the opposite perpendicular reference. Rotating the installation rotates every stated axis. Transformer, feed line, supports, conductor loss, terrain, and nearby structures remain outside the normalized result.
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What the decision-maker should understand
This directional half-square behavior belongs to the stated geometry. Other EMCOMM III BASE configurations have their own pattern records and must not inherit this orientation.
Model: CHA-EMCOMM-III-BASE-HALF-SQUARE-20260808-R001-40M-PRIMARY
Rapid horizontal regional wireCHA EMCOMM III PORTABLE · horizontal NVIS · 40 m73 ft radiator · 25 ft counterpoise · native product configurationReviewed NEC-4
A native horizontal-NVIS case for the CHA EMCOMM III PORTABLE complete wire system—not a BASE or neighboring end-fed-wire substitute.
Controlled setup record
Radiator on +X; 25 ft counterpoise on −Y; +Z up
The 73 ft horizontal radiator begins at the feed point and extends on model-relative +X. Its 25 ft counterpoise leaves the same feed point on −Y; +Y is the opposite perpendicular reference and +Z is vertical. Transformer, coax, choke, common-mode current, support, soil, conductor, and site losses remain excluded.
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What the decision-maker should understand
The high-angle tendency supports regional-path planning only. It does not guarantee NVIS propagation, coverage, link margin, or receiving-unit suitability.
Model: CHA-EMCOMM-III-PORTABLE-HORIZONTAL-NVIS-20260808-R001-40M-PRIMARY
Supported-system evidenceCHA B3D 120 ft inverted-V on CHA PORTA-MAST · 40 m20 ft center support · PORTA-MAST is not the radiatorReviewed NEC-4
CHA PORTA-MAST is a support subsystem, so its radiation evidence must name the attached antenna. This accepted case uses a CHA B3D 120 ft inverted-V with a 20 ft center support.
Controlled setup record
Inverted-V wire span on X; +Y perpendicular; +Z up
The two wire arms descend in opposite signed X directions from the 20 ft center support; +Y is perpendicular to the wire span and +Z is up. Changing the attached antenna, center height, endpoint positions, mount, vehicle proximity, or wire bearing creates a different installed case.
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What the decision-maker should understand
This is evidence for the complete named B3D/PORTA-MAST installation, not a universal “PORTA-MAST pattern.” A vehicle-supported mount also requires the nearby vehicle and exact mount position in its field record.
Model: CHA-B3D120-IV-20FT-PORTAMAST-20260815-R003-40M-PRIMARY
Ownership and field sustainment
Plan the support path before equipment reaches the unit
A useful field system needs controlled documentation, realistic availability, replaceable components and a clear technical-support path—not merely an antenna in a shipping box.
Document the delivered configuration
Record the exact kit, accessories, radio chain, field geometry, support, feed line and RF return so another operator can rebuild the same approved setup.
Confirm availability and lead time
Stock, quantity, custom-build requirements, export review, carrier conditions and receiving instructions can change the commitment. Confirm the current position before placing an order.
Replace supported components
When a supported component is damaged or lost, individual replacement parts may be available without replacing an otherwise serviceable antenna system.
Use the Support Desk after delivery
Equipment already in use belongs in the Chameleon Support Desk, where the installed configuration, photographs, measurements and troubleshooting history can remain together.
Whole-life decision rule: compare the exact delivered configuration, documentation, spares path, operator burden, confirmed lead time and replacement policy—not merely a headline antenna price.
Two practical purchasing paths
Buy directly when you can. Use a contract partner when you must.
Chameleon does not hold a CAGE code or a direct federal contract vehicle. That does not prevent an authorized direct commercial purchase of stocked standard products.
Direct commercial purchase
For an authorized unit purchase card or another approved direct-payment method, contact Military Systems & Technical Support to confirm the complete configuration, availability, quantity, and shipping commitment before ordering.
Discuss a direct commercial purchaseFormal contract or procurement vehicle
If the requirement needs a federal contract vehicle, formal integration, or contract-specific fulfillment, Chameleon will coordinate the opportunity with an established government procurement partner.
Request a procurement-partner handoffPurchasing authority, contract eligibility, export review, receiving-unit approval, and final configuration acceptance remain the customer’s responsibility.
Military equipment selection and purchasing
Bring the requirement—not a guessed shopping list.
Military Systems & Technical Support helps customers identify the antenna family and complete field configuration that fit the real constraint. Share only unclassified information: the broad communications role, radio model, frequency family, power, mobility, support availability, setup objective, weight limit, quantity, and purchasing route.
Do not email classified information, CUI, exact operational locations, call signs, operational frequencies, deployment dates, or other mission-sensitive details.
Military Systems & Technical Support
Don Sherman — Military Antenna AdvisorDon@chameleonantenna.com775-344-9900Need help with equipment already in use? Open a private, guided technical case in the Chameleon Support Desk.
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