Dielectric housings for centimetre-wave antennae. Part 2: Design practice for airborne radar

Various practical aspects of the design of dielectric antenna housings (or radomes) for airborne centimetre-wave radar systems are discussed. The effects of radomes on the performance, and particularly on the gain, impedance, polar diagram and polarization of the antenna are described, with a number of practical examples. The aerodynamic considerations which affect radome design are summarized. An account is given of the development and use of various materials for 10- and 3-cm radomes. The materials and structuresdiscussed include polymethyl methacrylate, low pressure resins, laminated fibreglass, expanded dielectrics, and double-wall and sandwich structures. The work was carried out at the Telecommunications Research Establishment during 1942¿45.