RUGGED RADOME CLOSURE UTILIZING ORIENTED THERMOPLASTICS AND ORIENTED THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITES

Abstract

A rugged radome closure that is transparent to radio frequency electromagnetic radiation and provides impact and ballistic protected interior space.

Claims

1. A rugged radome comprising: a wall construction comprising a laminate of multiple layers of fabric or tape made of axially-oriented elongated thermoplastic fibers, where flat fabric shapes, layup geometry, and final radome thickness are utilized to construct a radome geometry, multiple radio frequencies transparency, said radome adapted to withstand impact by blunt objects and ballistic projectiles, and resistance to absorb water.

2. The rugged radome of claim 1 wherein rugged radome closure is transparent to radio frequency electromagnetic radiation and provides impact and ballistic protected interior space.

3. The rugged radome of claim 1 wherein said thermoplastic fibers are comprised of High Density Polyethylene, Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Aramid or any combination thereof.

4. A rugged radome comprising: a complex curvature radome closure, choice material fabric or tape cut into unique two dimensional (flat) shapes; said flat shapes laid into a three dimensional mold to yield a desired near-net-shape three dimensional complex curvature radome closure after consolidation; said consolidation made into a solid laminate by exposing said layers to pressure or a combination of pressure and temperature.

5. The rugged radome of claim 4 wherein said pressure is generated by compression molding, vacuum, a pressurized vessel, or similar methods.

6. A rugged radome comprising: a radome shell; an adhesive/sealant; a lower ring; an upper ring; a sealing gasket; and a ring assembly screw.

7. A rugged radome comprising: a radome shell; an adhesive/sealant; a lower ring; and an upper ring; a sealing gasket; and a mounting screw.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a radome device of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a radome device of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a rugged radome system assembly of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a top ring of a rugged radome assembly of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a lower ring of a rugged radome assembly of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] FIG. 1 shows the rugged radome 10 having a radome shell 12, and an adhesive/sealant 14. The radome has a lower ring 16 and an upper ring 22. The radome further comprises a sealing gasket 18 and a ring assembly screw 20.

[0036] FIG. 2 shows the rugged radome 30 having a radome shell 32 and an adhesive/sealant 34. The radome has a lower ring 36 and an upper ring 42. The radome further comprises a sealing gasket 38 and a mounting screw 40.

[0037] FIG. 3 shows a rugged radome system assembly. Radome 50 is comprised of a radome shell 51, top ring 52 and a lower ring 53. The radome 50 further comprises a gasket 54, polyurethane adhesive 55, and a screw 56. The radome 50 further comprises a Polane S Plus 57, clear primer 58 and a Polane Spray 59.

[0038] FIG. 4 shows different views of the top ring 70. In an embodiment, the top ring 70 is made of an aluminum alloy. The top ring 70 has a tapped hole 72.

[0039] FIG. 5 shows different view of the lower ring 80. In an embodiment the lower ring 80 is made of an aluminum alloy. The lower ring 80 has a screw hole circle 82.