Antennas and Antenna Radomes with Extreme Thermal Shock Resistance for Missile Applications

Next-generation munitions require new materials able to withstand extreme operational environments while maintaining RF performance. Hypersonic missiles and hyper velocity projectiles traveling in excess of Mach 4 generate surface temperatures of 1500°C or greater and may see up to 30,000g at launch. These flight vehicles still require communication, targeting, and guidance systems which must be protected during flight. This program will characterize an advanced material capable of withstanding the thermal and mechanical loads expected during flight while maintaining electrical properties within the operational requirements of the sensor package. Predictable and repeatable dielectric performance over broad frequencies and temperatures is required. An ideal material will maintain a dielectric constant of 5.0 or lower and loss tangent of 0.05 or lower from 8-40 GHz and room temperature to 1500°C. This program will evaluate the performance of such a material.