Radome & Composite Design
Sensor Systems has a fully integrated engineering department consisting of electrical engineers, composite engineers, mechanical engineers and manufacturing engineers. With all these engineering disciplines, Sensor Systems can participate on radome programs at any point from build-to-print to complete design-to-specification. All radome designs include analysis and input from all these engineering disciplines and the analysis is performed using our various CAD/CAM/CAE tools.
Sensor Systems uses proprietary electromagnetic code to analyze the radome performance and develop the radome wall construction. NASTRAN is used to perform finite element analysis. Sensor Systems composite engineers have expertise with all composite materials suitable for radome applications. We also use our extensive line of existing military radomes to choose composite radome materials that are optimal for RF performance, qualified for military use, and readily available. Finally, our extensive RF testing capability and anechoic chambers allow us to test transmissivity as part of final part acceptance.
To complement our radome design capability, Cobham Sensor Systems can perform complete reverse engineering activities using our FaroArm® CMM. 3D CAD models can be created in SolidWorks or CATIA using scanned data from a master pattern or existing model. The 3D model is then used for analysis and manufacturing.
Composite Processes & Materials
- Processes include prepeg lay-up, vacuum bag, autoclave cure, CNC machining, and Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM)
- Experienced with all types of fibers, resins, core materials and coatings
- Radome coatings include anti-static top coats, polyurethane rain erosion coatings, fluoroelastomers, epoxies and radar absorbing materials (RAM)
Engineering
- Complete RF design, mechanical analysis, FEA, environmental validation and material selection
- Electrical and mechanical optimization
- Transmission loss, mechanical environmental, high power and RCS testing
- Low Observable technology, Frequency Selective Surfaces and embedded antennas
- Reverse engineering
- Aircraft installation and integration
- Tool design