Rugged, Low-Cost, Nondielectric Missile Radome

The objective is to develop the design and manufacturing procedures for a rugged low cost non-dielectric missile radome that can be manufactured using simple material and process techniques. The focus will be on an electrically thick metal radome with array of holes or slots that are filled with dielectric plugs. Coverings will be designed for impedance matching and thermal considerations. The design will be developed with the use of highly sophisticated electromagnetic prediction codes available to Lindsey Associates. The material selection will be based on thermal, electrical and mechanical properties. Sample flat plates will be fabricated and tested for operation at X-, Ka- or W-band. We will also investigate a wideband and a dual band design. Electrical, thermal and mechanical tests will be performed on the samples and a selection will be made for the best materials and methods to fabricate full sized radomes in Phase II.