RADOMES: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
News: The Defence Metallurgical Research
Laboratory (DMRL) has made a noteworthy achievement in creating
homegrown fused silica radomes for missiles.
- Radomes are essential enclosures that
safeguard radar antennas and greatly influence the effectiveness of
missiles.
What’s in the
news?
About Radomes
A radome is a
protective enclosure designed
to shield radar or antenna systems from environmental elements while
allowing electromagnetic signals to pass through.
Made from
rigid materials or air-inflated fabrics, radomes come in various shapes for specific applications.
They maintain
antenna performance by mitigating environmental impacts and conceal
electronic equipment for security purposes. They prevent rotating antennas
from colliding with nearby objects, ensuring durability and efficiency.
Functions and Applications
- Protection: They shield
sensitive radar equipment from harsh environmental conditions like
rain, snow, and dust, which could otherwise degrade performance.
- Aerodynamics: For
missiles and aircraft, radomes ensure that the aerodynamic
profile remains sleek, minimizing drag and
improving fuel efficiency and speed.
- Signal Transparency: They are constructed from materials that do
not interfere with radar signals, ensuring optimal
transmission and reception.
Advancements by DRDO
- The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) of
the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has
made significant strides in the development of advanced radome technology.
The recent
innovations aim to boost India’s missile capabilities by
enhancing the structural and operational efficiency of
radomes used in various defense applications.
Key
Developments:
- Materials: DMRL has
developed new materials that offer superior heat resistance,
strength, and electromagnetic transparency.
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These
materials improve the radome’s ability to withstand high temperatures and mechanical
stresses encountered during missile flight.
- Manufacturing Techniques: Advanced manufacturing processes, such as additive
manufacturing and precision molding, ensure that the radomes are
produced with high accuracy and consistency,
reducing potential defects and enhancing overall performance.
- Multifunctionality: The new radomes are designed to support
multiple functions, including radar, communication, and electronic
warfare, making them versatile assets in modern defense systems.
Impact on
Indian Defence system:
The
implementation of these advanced radome technologies is set to significantly
enhance the Indian military’s operational capabilities:
- Missile Accuracy and Range: Improved radomes lead to more accurate targeting and extended
missile range, increasing the effectiveness of India’s missile
arsenal.
- Survivability: By protecting critical radar components,
radomes increase the survivability of missiles and
aircraft, ensuring mission success under adverse conditions.
- Indigenous Development: These advancements reflect India’s growing expertise in
homegrown defense technologies, reducing dependence on foreign
technology and developing self-reliance.
Source: https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/defence-lab-dmrl-creates-tech-that-will-add-punch-to-indian-missiles-1.9741901