Wideband RF Radomes Compatible with Conformal Antennas and Gun-Launched Hypersonic Environments

Recent advancements in artillery, muzzle velocity, and post-launch propulsion technology have enabled gun-launched projectiles to travel faster and at longer ranges than ever before. To be most effective in flight and at range, the projectiles must incorporate RF sensors to enable advanced, mission-critical functionality. The RF sensors must also be able to survive and operate through extreme gun-launch and hypersonic aerothermal environments. To survive the thermal requirements, the sensors must reside underneath a wideband RF transparent window. The integration of both the window and antenna must be accomplished in such a way to be compatible to the projectile size, weight, and power constraints. FIRST RF has, over the years, developed numerous key antenna technologies capable of sustained operation in the gun-launched and hypersonic regimes. This technology will be leveraged in this effort. Additionally, as with all small weapons, space is very limited. As more and more frequencies (bandwidth) are desired, the complexity and volume required increases. FIRST RF has developed both conformal antennas and miniaturized wideband antennas that may be used for gun-launched projectile applications. It is proposed that these antennas be combined with high shock window materials and construction methods to create a highly versatile solution for the warfighter. This overall approach significantly lowers the required volume allocation, complexity, cost and weight of the sensor system.