Why Advanced Composites Are Ideal for Building Radomes
Radomes are critical to the proper operation of modern radar antenna systems. They are used heavily on aircraft, marine vessels, and ground-based radar installations. Key to their performance and reliability are advanced aerospace composites.
As a composite material supplier, a number of customers rely on us to provide the materials they need to build and maintain state-of-the-art radomes. Between composite prepregs, resin matrices, and fiber mats, we keep them supplied as they maintain existing radomes and build new ones.
A Brief Word About Radomes
‘Radome’ is a portmanteau of ‘radar’ and ‘dome’. A radome is a structural enclosure designed to protect a radar antenna or antenna system. It must be weatherproof and able to withstand heavy wind, rain, snow, sleet, and debris.
Despite its highly protective nature, a radome must still allow the free flow of electromagnetic signals to and from. It cannot distort or attenuate signals. Otherwise, radar is no longer accurate. Therefore, the choice of materials is critical when designing and building a new radome.
Made With Composites
A typical radome is made with composites. In nearly every case, a fiber like glass or carbon is combined with the resin matrix before being shaped through one of several different manufacturing processes:
- Layups – The layup process involves deploying multiple layers of composite prepregs or dry mats in a mold and ensuring the entire setup is impregnated with resin.
- Extrusion – Extrusion involves forcing composite material through a die by applying pushing force.
- Pulltrusion – Pulltrusion is the opposite of extrusion. Rather than being pushed through a die, the material is pulled through.
It is not unusual for manufacturers to use integrated layers of composite materials for added functionality. A radome might be built with a reflective layer, for example. Integrated layers are designed to enhance radome performance and integration.
Easily Customized Designs
One advantage of manufacturing with composites is flexibility. A composite material supplier can furnish composites in multiple forms. In addition, composites can be manufactured with specific properties. This gives radome designers the opportunity to customize their designs for each and every installation.
Composite properties can be modified by choosing different fibers and matrices. They can be modified through fiber orientation, stacking, and layering. Any number of properties can be customized to create a completely unique material.
Why Composites Are Ideal for Radomes
Material suppliers and composite prepregs aside, what is it about composites that make them ideal for radome construction? At the top of the list is electromagnetic transparency.
In simple English, composites can be intentionally engineered for low dielectric constant and loss, meaning that radar signals freely pass through with minimal attenuation or distortion. The clearer the signal, the more accurate the data passing through a radome.
In addition to electromagnetic transparency, composites offer:
- Minimal Weight – Composites are known for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratios. A composite radome can be highly protective but still lightweight. This is ideal for both aircraft and marine installations.
- Strength and Durability – Glass, carbon, and aramid composites are exceptionally strong and durable. They are tough, impact resistant, and capable of holding up to weather and operational stresses.
- Thermal Stability – Properly designed composites can maintain consistent performance even under extreme temperatures. This is critical for high-altitude applications.
The proverbial icing on the cake is that composites can be designed to be low maintenance. A low maintenance radome is an attractive radome because it offers years of reliable service without needing constant attention.
Axiom Materials is an industry leading composite material supplier. We provide composite prepregs and other materials ideally suited for building radomes. Contact us to learn more.