Development of a Lower Cost Radome

By use of new materials and processes, a new radome was developed which was less costly, more rigid, and lighter in weight than previous models. This was accomplished by in-plant fabrication, autoclave cure, and use of thin honeycomb core.

In describing the development of the new radome, the author presents design objectives, evaluates various material possibilities, and explains the selection of materials in the final structure. Treatment of the outside surface of the radome is also described. Finally, the fabrication process is discussed in detail.