Radomes

12.5 m (41 ft.) Diameter Impedance Matched Radome for S-Band Radar.

AFC's high technology radome capability combines the expertise of materials science, geodesic domes, structures and electromagnetics.

AFC manufactures four types of dielectric radomes

. The four types identify themselves primarily by the radome wall construction. In each case, the dielectric panel edges are reinforced into flanges for adjacent panel assembly. The dielectric flanges form a framework establishing the general terminology Dielectric Space Frame (DSF) for AFC's radome products. Depending on radome wall parameters, adjacent panel flanges may also serve as environmental load bearing beams or struts. Each panel is a molded one piece unit. When assembled to the other panels, the panel array forms a truncated spherical surface. Individual panels may be doubly curved or flat yielding a faceted or spherically smooth appearance. Foam insulation is often added to the wall producing a two or three layer sandwich configuration.

Radome transmission loss is composed of the insertion loss from the RF signal passing through the radome wall and from the scattering loss off the panel flange framework. In most cases, the scattering loss from the framework is several times greater than the wall insertion loss. To reduce scattering loss, AFC engineers use a technique known as impedance matching to "tune out" framework loss. As required by sophisticated electrical performance requirements, inductive elements (wire, metallic strips etc.) may be laminated into the dielectric flanges to impedance match scattering loss. Any of the four DSF radome types may be impedance matched.

Every DSF radome exhibits the RF property that the total transmission loss, scattering plus wall insertion loss, approaches zero dB at low frequencies (as opposed to "Metal Space Frame Radomes" whose loss increases without limit. This property is important for UHF/VHF emergency radio communications contained within the radome). The superior performance and Advantages of Dielectric Radome Technology are evident in the worldwide Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS), weather satellite and radar, air surveillance radar and Intelsat Communications applications.