Rapid Assembly of Durable Composite Radome Panels and Radome Mounting Interface

The objective of the proposed work is to develop a rapid connect durable technological improvement for Radome interfaces of panel to panel attachments and Radome support structure attachments. The ITI Team proposes to eliminate metallic fasteners currently used in panel to panel connections with a rapid connect approach and to further develop a more durable composite interface with the typical Radome mounting rings or interface surfaces through new alkali tolerant coatings and/or composite resins. Phase 1 of the proposed work will concentrate on three specific design concepts: • Concept 1: Existing Fastener Replacement • Concept 2: Linear Snap Joint • Concept 3: Base Ring Material Interface Compatibility All elements of each design solution including the design, material and construction technique, as well as other sub items, will be analysed to determine how well they address the final set of requirements. BENEFIT: Existing Fastener Replacement for the AN/FPS-117 Radome, Existing Fastener Replacement for other Air Force Radomes, Form-Fit-Function Base Ring Replacement, incorporate new designs with a leading radome manufacture.