Carbon Nanotube Coaxial Transmission Lines

A key technology enabler for next generation ISR systems is low loss, lightweight, flexible wire and cable, particularly the RF power routing from the fuselage to the rotodome in the E-2 Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft, which requires specially designed copper based coax Aircraft Transmission Lines (ATL). Copper is the established choice of conductive material for these ATLs, but copper’s susceptibility to flex failure and increased insertion loss with heating and frequency in the E-2 platform limits ATL performance and often requires phase compensation. As an alternative to copper, lightweight and low resistance carbon nanotube (CNT) based conductors can be considered for use in advanced ATL designs. We propose to design a CNT-based coaxial cable, utilizing our CNT wires and tapes, for high power, high frequency applications, which can withstand the temperature extremes, very high electrical current, mechanical stress and vibration that current ATL cables are subjected to. The aim of Phase I is to develop the models and materials properties necessary for the cable design, which will be done during the Option. Phase II will consist of constructing and testing the ATL cable in preparation for qualification and insertion into next generation ISR systems.