Sulfur Hexafluride (SF6) Replacement or Reduction in high voltage switchgear and airborne radar

The development of capabilities that allow significant removal or reduction of high Global Warming Potential (GWP) Green House Gases (GHG) in the environment is paramount to ensure human health and welfare. The objective of this effort is to develop critical components and technologies that will significantly reduce the need for GHG on the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS). In Phase I, Microwave Applications Group (MAG) determined that stress levels in two critical AWACS components – as currently configured – require the use of Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) – known to be a GHG. Therefore, the focus of Phase II is to develop replacement configurations of these components such that the use of SF6 is not required. That hardware will then be tested to ensure compliance with AWACS requirements. BENEFIT: Concepts leading to hardware configurations – which are proven in this effort to operate successfully without a GHG – will lead to development of replacement components in military and commercial applications. These applications include radar systems, linear accelerators, and other electrical and radio frequency system requirements.