Develop Radar Radome Materials, Processes and Test Methodology Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Topic No.: N102-148 Topic Title: Develop Radar Radome Materials, Processes and Test Methodology Proposal No.: N102-148-0076 Firm: FIRST RF CORPORATION 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301 Contact: P. Kelly Phone: (303) 449-5211 Web Site: firstrf.com Abstract: The FIRST RF solution proposed for this Phase I program represents a unique utilization of metallic honeycomb structural cell elements to protect the radar system and optimize the RF and RCS performance of the system. The proposed configuration represents an improvement from conventional cascaded-network impedance surface radome designs by using pickup and retransmit radiators with a layer of transition line sandwiched between them. This offers an additional degree of freedom for wideband matching while preventing problems associated with trapped energy associated with conventional approaches. The selection of specific materials and adhesive systems allow for advanced pulltrusion to be utilized for the lamination, eliminating costly and unstable autoclave runs. Test samples will be fabricated and evaluated for RF transmission, structural integrity and Radar Cross Section (RCS) performance. The hardware demonstration during Phase I will demonstrate not only the viability of the technical approach, but also the lost-cost and manufacturable nature of the FIRST RF techniques by completing the demonstration with the limited budget and schedule constraints of a Phase I SBIR. Benefits: FIRST RF is proposing a high performance, affordable, and rugged solution for X and S-band shipboard radar protection. By using metallic honeycomb cells as a substrate, structural requirements can be met with a lower overall radome thickness while simultaneously improving RF transmission and minimizing RCS. The unique configuration opens the door to more affordable lamination processes, allowing the program to meet more aggressive cost targets. Additionally, the complete radome assembly can be panelized, sealed and delivered to the system integrator as a turn-key item that only requires minimal touch labor for seamless installation. The application will find use aboard many advanced shipborne radar applications. Return