Novel Multi-mode Seeker Dome for Miniature Munitions

New applications, such as the Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), require affordable, durable domes with transparency in multiple wavebands (i.e., near IR, MWIR or LWIR, and MMW). Producing such a dome in a cost effective manner will require achieving the optimal balance between competing requirements. Selection of durable dome materials, with suitable transparency, high speed/tight tolerance fabrication techniques, and potentially the incorporation of suitable grid/resonant structures to provide EMI shielding are all critical to the development of optimal multimode seeker dome designs. During the Phase I effort, Surmet has performed a trade study on candidate dome materials, design and manufacturing concepts. Leading substrate materials have been identified as ALON or Spinel for seekers employing MWIR imaging modes, and Zinc Sulfide for seekers employing LWIR imaging. As a result of the Phase I effort, three key technologies were identified for further development under Phase II. Slip casting of material blanks and high speed optical finishing techniques offer the opportunity to reduce ALON dome costs in high volumes. Protective coatings are required to protect the relatively soft and weak LWIR dome substrates in external environments. Prototype domes demonstrating these technologies will be manufactured at the end of the Phase II effort.