Ground-based Radomes - ESSCO
CPI's metal space frame radomes are rigid, self-supporting structures that consist of a structural framework with thin, electromagnetically transparent membranes permanently bonded to the framework.
Applications: Excellent broadband performance in satcom applications at all military and commercial frequency bands, including the C-, X-, Ku-, K- and Ka-bands. Also:
Construction & Materials: CPI's metal space frame radomes consist of triangular panels that are bolted together to form a geodesic dome.
For smaller sizes up to 30 ft. (9.1 m) in diameter, panels can be either the same basic size and shape (creating a regular geometry) or different sizes and shapes (creating a randomized geometry). For larger radomes, randomized geometries are used. The frame material consists of 6061 T6 aluminum extrusion providing excellent corrosion resistance and structural strength.
A thin, electromagnetically transmissive membrane material is bonded to the frame to create a finished panel. The most commonly used material is ESSCOLAM™, a proprietary plastics laminate we developed and manufacture specifically for radome applications. The exterior laminate surface is protected with DuPont™ Tedlar® film, which is integrally bonded to the laminate surface to insure against erosion.
Other membrane materials, such as GORE-TEX® or Teflon®-coated fiberglass, are also available for special applications.
Regardless of the application, we can optimize membrane materials and thickness for enhanced performance at specific frequencies, such as millimeter wave.
Additional Features:
The metal space frame radome frame transmission loss is smooth as a decreasing function of frequency. Metal frame transmission losses are higher at low frequencies, typically below 1.0 GHz, where losses approach infinity and frequency approaches zero. Above 1.0 GHz these loses decrease dramatically as the frame approaches its pure optical blockage limit between 2.0 GHz and 20 GHz. when frequency approaches infinity. These loses will increase or decrease depending on the metal beam cross-section as a result of wind speed requirements. The metal space frame radome panel membrane transmission loss is smooth, increasing slightly as a function of frequency from 50 GHz to 200 GHz depending on membrane thickness. Within the frequency range of 1.0 GHz to 12 GHz, the steady drop in metal frame transmission loss combined with slow growth of membrane transmission loss creates a flat region along the transmission loss vs. frequency line. Above 12 GHz, due to the pure optical blockage of the frame where losses remain practically unchanged, the slow increase in total transmission loss is the result of the additional contribution to loss from the radome membrane.
Please contact CPI ESSCO Operations directly for your specific radome requirements.
Tel: +1 (978) 568-5100
essco.sales@cpii.com
Applications: Excellent broadband performance in satcom applications at all military and commercial frequency bands, including the C-, X-, Ku-, K- and Ka-bands. Also:
- Intelligence gathering
- Radio astronomy
- Weather radar
- 2D surveillance radar
Construction & Materials: CPI's metal space frame radomes consist of triangular panels that are bolted together to form a geodesic dome.
For smaller sizes up to 30 ft. (9.1 m) in diameter, panels can be either the same basic size and shape (creating a regular geometry) or different sizes and shapes (creating a randomized geometry). For larger radomes, randomized geometries are used. The frame material consists of 6061 T6 aluminum extrusion providing excellent corrosion resistance and structural strength.
A thin, electromagnetically transmissive membrane material is bonded to the frame to create a finished panel. The most commonly used material is ESSCOLAM™, a proprietary plastics laminate we developed and manufacture specifically for radome applications. The exterior laminate surface is protected with DuPont™ Tedlar® film, which is integrally bonded to the laminate surface to insure against erosion.
Other membrane materials, such as GORE-TEX® or Teflon®-coated fiberglass, are also available for special applications.
Regardless of the application, we can optimize membrane materials and thickness for enhanced performance at specific frequencies, such as millimeter wave.
Additional Features:
- Easy to install
- Hydrophobic coatings for enhanced high-frequency performance in rain
- Electrostatic (Faraday) cage is included to protect against lightning
- Low IMP-free designs for military SATCOM applications
- Customized shapes including sheds, barns and cylindrical structures
The metal space frame radome frame transmission loss is smooth as a decreasing function of frequency. Metal frame transmission losses are higher at low frequencies, typically below 1.0 GHz, where losses approach infinity and frequency approaches zero. Above 1.0 GHz these loses decrease dramatically as the frame approaches its pure optical blockage limit between 2.0 GHz and 20 GHz. when frequency approaches infinity. These loses will increase or decrease depending on the metal beam cross-section as a result of wind speed requirements. The metal space frame radome panel membrane transmission loss is smooth, increasing slightly as a function of frequency from 50 GHz to 200 GHz depending on membrane thickness. Within the frequency range of 1.0 GHz to 12 GHz, the steady drop in metal frame transmission loss combined with slow growth of membrane transmission loss creates a flat region along the transmission loss vs. frequency line. Above 12 GHz, due to the pure optical blockage of the frame where losses remain practically unchanged, the slow increase in total transmission loss is the result of the additional contribution to loss from the radome membrane.
Please contact CPI ESSCO Operations directly for your specific radome requirements.
Tel: +1 (978) 568-5100
essco.sales@cpii.com