Use of a Gaussian beam range and reflectivity arch for characterisation of radome panels for a naval application

Modern phased array radar applications require large radiating apertures that are protected from the environment by an RF-transparent radome. Radome design requires many compromises between RF loss, mechanical strength, environmental effects, ease of manufacture and cost. Phased arrays in naval applications are mounted high on the topside structure in order to maximise system performance, including radar range, so that radome weight must also be minimised in order to limit adverse effects on the stability/turning moment of the ship. Together, these factors make design and manufacture of radomes a challenging task. Manufacture of radomes utilises a number of established techniques and materials. In manufacture it is important to identify realistic tolerances and practical manufacturing methods in order to identify a radome design that is practical and economic to build, rather than trying to pursue an unattainable or expensive design that is over-toleranced. This paper describes the design of an S-band radome for a naval radar application; calculation of the radome performance; and the use of a quasi-optical focused beam range and reflectivity arch to verify the performance predictions.