AvL’s Antenna Under Test (AUT) tower. Photo: AvL Technologies

[Via Satellite 03-04-2016] AvL Technologies has completed the construction of its new far field antenna test range near its headquarters in Asheville, N.C. The new 1,600 foot range is now operational and AvL is using it to test a new 2.5 meter high-wind antenna system.

The AvL range has a 70-foot source tower with an enclosed platform, and the Antenna Under Test (AUT) tower has a lift system for placing new antennas into test position. The facility is capable of testing antennas with measurements from L-band through Ka-band, and reflectors ranging from 30 centimeters to 9 meters in size.

“With a continual stream of new designs and new products, it was a challenge for us to find adequate time for testing at ranges in the Atlanta area,” said Tony Wilkey, SVP at AvL. “So we found land near our headquarters and developed it into a state-of-the-art far field range, and it’s close enough to our office that we’re in continual contact with the range.”

AvL’s original plan was to use the range exclusively for testing its own antennas, but the company reports that several customers are already requesting range time.