Low-Drag Infrared Dome Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Topic No.: N112-144 Topic Title: Low-Drag Infrared Dome Proposal No.: N112-144-1382 Firm: CeraNova Corporation P. O. Box 278 Hopkinton, Massachusetts 01748-0278 Contact: Mark Parish Phone: (508) 460-0300 Web Site: www.ceranova.com Abstract: Future high-speed missiles require aerodynamic infrared dome shapes that reduce drag and have greater ability to withstand aerothermal heating. Decreased drag enables a combination of increased speed, range, and payload. Previous Navy funded programs have addressed development of fabrication methods to grind and polish outer and inner surfaces of ogive domes to the required shape. However, an aerodynamic ogive dome of transparent ceramic material which meets the optical tolerances required for the Navy's application has not yet been produced. This program will build upon previous efforts at CeraNova and will produce an optically precise ogive dome from polycrystalline alumina. To achieve the fabrication goals, unique tool designs and optimum abrasive combinations will be employed. Metrology measurements will be performed by vendors who are developing methods and capabilities to quantify root-mean square transmitted wavefront error. Benefits: Successful completion of this program will demonstrate 1) the ability to precisely fabricate polycrystalline alumina to the optical specification required for the Navy, and 2) the capability of newly developed metrology methods to measure transmitted wavefront error on ogive shapes. These objectives complement current, ongoing work being performed on transparent oxides for a variety of critical military and commercial applications. Other application areas that will benefit from the knowledge and experience gained on grinding, polishing, and metrology of deep concave and complex curved shapes include ballistic armor and conformal windows. Return