Rapid Assembly of Durable Composite Radome Panels and Radome Mounting Interface

ABSTRACT: Current Air Force and industry radome designs are time- and resource-exhaustive, and require frequent maintenance and inspection throughout product lifecycle, due to outdated technologies. Typical panels are constructed with one of several joint types mated to the adjoining panel with through bolts, causing a need for installation and maintenance crews to be both inside and outside during initial assembly and periodic maintenance of the radome. Therefore, the Air Force requires innovative solutions through advanced materials, durable rapid connect fasteners and improved material interface configurations, to reduce the cost and risk associated with the legacy approach. The results of this effort have addressed these needs and met as well as exceeded the expectations of the user community. BENEFIT: ITI has identified a variety of Military applications that could immediately take advantage of the technology developed under this project. In particular, various fixed radar systems that incorporate radomes utilize legacy metallic fasteners with torque requirements and PIM issues. The rapid connect fastener concept optionally is applied as a form-fit-function replacement for legacy metallic fastening hardware on legacy radome designs without modification to the existing domes. These concepts are not limited to radomes, however. In fact, they can be used on towers, shelters, aircraft, vehicles, GSE, and anywhere advanced joining systems provide benefit.