Applied Physical Electronics. L.C. (APELC) has delivered a modular, high-power RF test stand to White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), supporting the site’s ongoing efforts to test military systems under MIL-STD-464 electromagnetic environments.
The system is designed to generate short-pulsed, high-powered RF radiation to evaluate how assets respond to RF stress or attack. It includes a Marx generator driving four interchangeable wideband dipole antennas, radiating at least 234kV/m/MHz across a frequency range of approximately 130 to over 400MHz.
Unlike legacy setups, the test stand features a modular configuration that allows users to tailor the system to specific frequency targets and waveform requirements. APELC led the full system design and engineering effort to meet WSMR’s single-source performance needs.
“This wasn’t a build-to-print job,” said Jon Mayes, CEO of APELC. “We engineered the full system from the ground up to meet the spec. It’s flexible, field-relevant, and built for real test environments – not just the lab.”
The system was fully assembled and validated at APELC’s facility prior to delivery. APELC’s team also provided on-site setup and training to ensure seamless integration into WSMR’s test operations. The system is now installed and meeting performance objectives.
“There are only a handful of companies globally that can deliver this type of wideband, high-power RF source,” added Mayes. “Our team has refined this architecture over multiple programs. We know it works and now, so do our customers.”
