SBIR-STTR Award

The objective in this exploratory development is to identify materials and designs for a radome which will withstand the environment of high speed missiles and provide rf transparency for a low band side mounted conformal antenna as well as a W-band forward looking radar sensor. Materials, manufacturing processes, designs, cost and reproducibility will be emphasized in the study. A new ceramic material will be ocnsidered which has a lower dielectric constant than other ceramics and which is moisture impermeable. Two material systems using quartz fibers will be considered. The first uses woven socks with a high temperature inorganic polymer binder. The second uses a winding process with quartz fiber with a high temperature binder. The use of inductive grid technology and quarter wave matching layers will be considered in the designs. Upon completion of the Phase I research, one design will be selected for the Phase II development. The final design selected for further development will be based on preformance, cost and manufacturablitiy.

Benefit:
The proposed radome technology will have potential use on high-speed missiles as a low cost replacement for present radomes and for future applications. A wide range of high temperature applications is anticipated including high temperature circuit boards, commercial cookwave, etc.

Keywords:
frequency selective surface, frequency selective surface, C-J band, dual-mode sensor, high speed missile, Radome, W-Band, Dual Mode, Conformal Antenna, high temperature material, Strength

The objective in this exploratory development is to design, fabricate and test a dual-mode radome for a high speed missile application. Performance, cost and ease of manufacturing will be emphasized. Radome models will be produced to be as close to flight hardware as practical. The use of an insert to provide performance enhancements will be incorporated into the design.

Benefit:
Innovative techniques will be demonstrated which will allow for the operation and implementation of a dual-mode sensor. This technology will be useful for existing radomes to change or improve the electrical performance. Commercial applications will include high temperature circuit boards and commerical cookware.

Keywords:
Radome, W-Band, dual-mode sensor, Conformal Antenna, high temperature material, high speed missile, frequency selective surface, C-J band, Strength, Dual Mode