Nanocomposite Processing for Multimode Radome Applications

Improvement in deployed missile system capabilities has been one of the essential missions for U.S. Defense. Next generation missile systems will require multi-mode seekers to improve standoff distance, provide all weather capability, and allow for some degree of target recognition or aim point selection. Therefore, there is a need for developing an advanced material for tri-mode RF seekers. Utilizing these technologies requires radomes that are compatible with IR, RF, and millimeter wavelengths. This program proposes an innovative method of processing nanocomposite powders to achieve a fully dense nanocomposite, which can be fully transparent from 1 to 7 microns. The program will investigate the effects of particle size and the heat treatment on the final structure and IR transparency. During the Phase I program, hot-pressing will be performed and pressureless sintering will be performed during the Phase II program. By combining the IR transparency and low dielectric properties, the material developed from this program can be compatible with IR, RF, and millimeter wavelengths and can survive the thermal-structural environment.