Low Drag Multi-Frequency Radome

The objective in this exploratory development is to identify radome materials, frequency selective surface designs and fabrications techniques in the design of a multi-frequency radome to meet the requirements of an advanced anti-radiation missile. Theradome will be transparent in the millimeter wave band and will act as ground plane for a side-mounted wrap around anti-radiation homing antenna located aft of the radome. The materials and designs for the radome will withstand specific thermal-mechanicalenvironments of an advanced anti-radiation missile. This program will examine materials, fabrication, coatings, and mounting techniques to develop and demonstrate an affordable and reliable dual-mode RF radome. This will be accomplished by performingtrade studies, analysis of the selected materials and evaluation of manufacturing processes. Particular attention will be focused on affordability as it applies to materials, manufacturing concepts, and structural and electrical performance. One or morecandidate designs will be proposed for fabrication in Phase II. Tests will be conducted to validate the preliminary designs. The proposed radome technology will have potential as a high-speed missiles as a replacement for present radomes including theAdvanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile and for related applications. A wide range of high temperature applications is anticipated that could include high temperature circuit boards and commercial cookware to name a few.