Development of RBSN Based Materials for Next Generation Tctical Missile Rdomes

Anticipated requirements for the advanced long-range anti-air missile systems require ceramic radome materials with superior mechanical and thermal properties, in addition to low dielectric constants and loss tangents in the appropriate electromagnetic spectrum . The severe environmental conditions generated during hypersonic flights (temperatures as high as 2800°F (1500°C), and extreme rain erosion conditions) place rigorous demands on ceramic radome materials. Under these conditions, current materials (Pyroceram 9606, fused silica, IRBAS etc.) will likely not be adequate. Development of improved RBSN based silicon nitride materials (RBSN+) is proposed to meet the new demands. This proposal addresses the development of new radome material(s) based on silicon nitride that would offer very good thermal, mechanical and rain erosion properties, which could be manufactured to net shape and therefore at significantly lower cost.