Chameleon Antenna CHA NVIS Multi Band Portable Wire Antennas are an advanced evolution of the world’s most widely used Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (NVIS) antenna—the U.S. Army AS‑2259/GR. Redesigned with modern materials and engineering, it delivers greater portability, wider frequency coverage, and significantly reduced weight while maintaining the rugged reliability required for demanding field conditions. Originally engineered for the jungles of Vietnam, this antenna platform is now optimized for today’s most challenging EMCOMM, disaster response, and field deployment environments.

Purpose-built for NVIS propagation, the CHA NVIS enables reliable short‑ to medium‑range HF communication when conventional line‑of‑sight or long-distance skip paths are ineffective. Its design makes it ideal for emergency communication operators who must maintain contact with agencies and relief teams located just outside an affected disaster zone.

Operating from 1.8–54.0MHz, including the 160–6-meter Amateur Radio Service bands, the CHA NVIS provides broad frequency capability without adjustment when paired with a suitable antenna tuner. The system requires only a single center support approximately 15 feet high and is self‑guying, enabling rapid deployment in the field.

The CHA NVIS Kit consists of the following:

• (2) 25ft. 16ga. Antenna Wire, Tinned Copper KEVLAR PTFE (Teflon) -70°C to 150°C

• (2) X 38ft. 16ga. Antenna Wire, Tinned Copper KEVLAR PTFE (Teflon) -70°C to 150°C

• (4) Tent Stakes

• (1) Transformer

• (4) Winders

• (2) 7ft. Mini-Paracord

• (2) 20ft. Mini-Paracord

• (1) 50ft. Mini-Paracord

• (1) 50ft. Coax W/ RF Choke

• (1) Weighted Throw Bag

• (1) Duffle Bag

• Stainless Steel Hardware

Additional Features and Specifications:

• Frequency Range: 1.8 - 54.0MHz (Requires an antenna tuner on most frequencies)

• Power Handling:

- 100W intermittent duty cycle (SSB Phone)

- 50W medium duty cycle (CW, FM)

- 25W continuous duty cycle (AM, RTTY, FT8, and other high-duty-cycle digital modes)

• Length: Each element has a combined length of 45 ft (total space required: 85 ft)

• Height: 15ft.

• SWR: Typically, less than 3:1, except for 5.5 and 9.8 MHz (±1.2 MHz), see figure (4)

• Weight: Less than 3.0lbs.

• Color Options: Subdued (light gray, green, flat dark earth, black)

• Setup Time: Requires two personnel; approximately 15 minutes