Aero-structural and Electromagnetic Design Optimisation of Maritime Patrol Aircraft Radome Using Direct Search Algorithms

Abstract

Airborne surveillance systems such as Maritime Patrol Aircraft are deployed by armed forces to collect surveillance information on airborne and sea surface enemy targets. Airborne Electronically Scanned Array Radar is an electromagnetic sensor integrated on this aircraft. The antenna of this radar is installed generally in belly of a turboprop aircraft. An electro-magnetically transparent cover, called radome, protects this antenna to protect it from various environmental effects, like rain, dust, etc. Installation of the radome results in additional drag, weight and electromagnetic signal loss. The Pareto optimality involving three design disciplines of structure, aerodynamics and electromagnetics is attempted with direct search optimisation algorithm NSGA II.