XBR Inflatable Radome - ILC Dover

XBR Radome

• Deployed on SBX Platform: May 15, 2005
• Largest high-survivability radome currently fielded
  • 20 year life expectancy
  • Has survived >100 mph storm winds successfully

Highly collaborative effort, successfully bringing together

• Advanced Finite Element and electrical analysis/modeling
• Materials development
• Seam process development
• Extensive qualification and testing
• Solutions to 'extreme' manufacturing and logistics challenges

Success relied upon understanding and balancing key requirements

• RF performance
• Hydrophobicity of outer skin
• Fabric and seam strength and durability (EMS/ESS; long term high temperature/relative humidity/sustained load)
• Quasi-isotropic performance (balanced modulus)