Various types of ceramics used in radome: A review

Abstract

Advanced tactical missiles need radomes of higher strength capable of withstanding higher velocities and temperatures and longer flight durations. Radomes must be stable at temperature above 1400ffiC and must have a low and steady thermal dielectric constant, low thermal expansion coefficient, high resistance to thermal shock, high stiffness and strength, high chemical stability, and high resistance against moisture. Silicon nitride, in comparison with other materials used in the fabrication of radomes (e.g., fused Silica, pyroceramics, etc.), enjoys superior properties, and it can also be used at flight speeds higher than Mach 7. In this paper, various types of raw materials used in the fabrication of radomes have been investigated.