Low-Drag Infrared Dome

Future high-speed missiles require aerodynamic dome shapes that reduce drag and have greater ability to withstand aerothermal heating. Several Navy SBIR topics have addressed fundamental issues of producing an ogive-shaped dome of MWIR transparent ceramic material, but an aerodynamic dome meeting the optical tolerances required by the Navy has not been produced. CeraNova"s transparent, fine-grained, polycrystalline alumina (CeraLumina) has excellent MWIR transmission and mechanical properties comparable to, and in some cases better than, sapphire. CeraNova has the unique capability to fully process transparent alumina ogive domes, including the manufacture of dense dome blanks and their fabrication (grinding and polishing) to the required geometry and surface finish. The goal of the proposed program is to produce a polished, optically figured, low drag-shaped dome of CeraLumina. The latest technology that has demonstrated the best finishing and metrology methods will be used to produce a precisely figured dome. Measurement and metrology will be performed at each stage of fabrication. CeraNova will demonstrate the capability of applying the measured data to correct surface and optical error. The objective is to demonstrate CeraNova"s capability for precise fabrication of low drag domes in a manner that will serve as a basis for dome production.