Radomes
As a
structural, weatherproof enclosure, radomes are designed to protect antennas
at subsonic and supersonic speeds with minimum interference to radar
transmissions. Blade, low-profile, and ballistic radomes provide numerous
advantages because composite materials are used when designing them. The
advantages of these radomes are:
Royal
Plastic Mfg., Inc. manufactures radomes out of composite material such as:
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E-Glass
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S-Glass
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Quartz
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Spectra
Shield®
Typical
resin systems that are used when creating radomes are:
Composite
radomes at Royal Mfg., Inc. are designed to precise specifications and Royal
will help select the appropriate radome for your application. Radome design
and construction can be tailored to minimize loss at specific frequencies
with optimum strength. Numerous topcoats are available including epoxies,
polyurethanes, fluoroelastomers, hydrophobic, and anti-static coatings.
Space Applications and Satellite Components


The parts
shown above are examples of satellite receivers, transmitters, and shielding
covers for satellite equipment. These parts are fabricated from quartz fiber
reinforcement with a cyanate ester resin system.
Composites
weight 32 percent less than aluminum and the fibers can be oriented to
maximize performance allowing for a high strength to weight ratio. Copper
circuits are embedded in the composite part to make a lightweight platform
for space applications.
At Royal we
have created S-band transmitters up to 4.50 feet in length. On the left, an
S-band transmitter is shown that is 18.0” in length.
A housing
unit for satellite optics is also shown. This particular example is
extremely accurate and maintains surface and positional requirements of
+/-.005” throughout the entire part and has been qualified through a 9G
vibration test that stimulates spacecraft launch.
Additional
Features:
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Composite structures provide improved strength and stiffness to weight
performance versus conventional fabricated structures.
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Radar
Transparency: Various glass fibers and organic matrix are relatively
invisible to radar or microwave transmissions.
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Durability: Composites provide high abrasion and impact resistance while
offering improved fatigue life.
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Special
Operations: High performance composites can operate under extreme
conditions, temperatures, and pressures.
ECS Ducting


These ECS
ducts are fabricated from Kevlar® and carbon fiber with an epoxy resin
system. This allows for the utilization of an ultra low weight design for
optimum performance.
In the
center, the carbon fiber ducting shown incorporates a specialized design for
military helicopter airframe platforms. Proprietary technology is utilized
by this new ducting to create graphite fiber composite ducts capable of zero
leakage performance and with a wall thickness of only 0.013”. Stringent
requirements on internal air flow temperature dictate the addition of low
density, low thermal conductivity insulation blankets on many of the ducts.
This ultra low weight design 0package features over 70 total parts with a
combined weight of less than 17 lbs. These ducts consistently outperform a
lengthy list of standard military specifications.


Specially
insulated ECS ducts are fabricated from a polyester resin system with
fiberglass reinforcement. The ducting system show above is designed for use
in a restricted envelope environment, utilizing a low profile aerospace
insulation. This provides for optimum performance. This ducting package
incorporates a specialized design for retrofit on military surveillance
platforms. These ducts are engineered to consistently outperform standard
military specifications.
Secondary Aircraft Structure


These secondary aircraft
structures enclose radar equipment and are constructed of carbon fiber
(graphite) with an epoxy resin system. Designed to operate at up to 290° F,
tolerance of +/-.005” are maintained. In the center is a flight surface door
used to enclose and protect avionics equipment. One the left and right are
leading edge fairing that meets stringent structural requirements. These
fairing have been built to meet specific engineering requirements.
Specialized fasteners can be incorporated into any composite fairing design
and many specialized coatings, such as hydrophobic or static dissipation
coatings, and are available for demanding product applications. Also shown
is a carbon fiber exterior access door for avionics. Numerous pieces of
custom hardware were fabricated for this application with specialty coating
applied to protect against corrosion, including static dissipation strips,
locking quick release fasteners and high tolerance attachment hinges.
Composite Covers


Royal Plastic manufactures advanced composite
covers for interior and exterior aircraft surfaces. Composite covers seal
our moisture and contaminants, protecting sensitive equipment and providing
easy access for maintenance when needed. Advanced composite covers can be
designed with protecting finishes to further protect against premature
weathering or environmental damage. Specialty hardware such as captive
fasteners, cam-lock fasteners, safety cables, lanyards, and safety placards
can also be attached as required.
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