Low Signature Submarine Radome

by andy | Jun 27, 2018

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The Challenge

To create a product that meets or exceeds technology levels used in naval submarines

PE Composites has many years of experience in the design, manufacture, testing and installation of composite radomes and composite/hybrid structures for hostile and exacting environments where a high specification and performance is required from both sensor and structure.

This design was to provide a high specification solution for a submarine borne broadband RF communications and RESM sensor. The principal design aims for the radome were to provide;

high quality RF performance. (from VLF to above Ka band)
solutions for Above Water Signature (AWS) issues. (RCS, Visual, and address IR management options).
a product that meets or exceeds technology levels available for naval submarines

Our Solution

This unique radar cross section (RCS) reduction design embodies the use of advanced composite materials, a bespoke reinforcement design, a low dielectric resin matrix with high mechanical performance with the unit manufactured utilising a specialised process.

The Outcome

The radome shown achieves:

a low RCS signature at operational threat angles
a high performance as a sensor antenna enclosure for broad-band application providing a low radio frequency (RF) attenuation path through radome 0.9dB maximum (trend 0.7dB) up to K band and 1.2dB maximum (trend 0.9dB) up to Q band
a low mass with high mechanical and environmental specification performance
high durability and long life
predictable and repeatable performance
has a specialist “RF friendly” solar reflective coating to protect enclosed active components
with an outer coating “design ready” for the implementation of visual signature reduction to customer specification
design ready to embody IR reduction techniques

This design can be part of an RCS reduction exercise for an above water sensor assembly, MTA/structure and is ideal when used in conjunction with a composite RCS design and, or protective skirt using an embedded CARAM solution.

PE Composites design and manufacture unique Low dielectric composite suitable for wide band RF usage (>40 Ghz) RCS reduction radome (as above) and Mast Top Assemblies, meeting International environmental and mechanical standards for naval submarines.

High durability and long life, predictable and repeatable performance

This design can be part of an RCS reduction exercise for an above water sensor assembly, MTA/structure and is ideal when used in conjunction with a composite RCS design and, or protective skirt using an embedded CARAM solution.

These structures can be built in appropriate metals and composites- composite panels and embed FSS (for RF enhancement) and CARAM technologies (for RCS).