Fiber Reinforced Ceramics for Electromagnetic Window Applications

This paper presents the results of a program for the development of aircraft and missile electromagnetic windows to operate at temperatures above 800??F. Included is a review of the experimental work involved in developing a radome composite, high temperature design data and electromagnetic window model fabrication. Experimental work performed in developing the basic composite and much of the design data was sponsored under Air Force Contract No. AF 33(657)-11469. Investigation has shown that the material offers an electromagnetic window life of several hundred hours at 1000??F and several minutes life at 2500??F. This is accomplished from a reinforced aluminum phosphate ceramic material that is processed by conventional fiberglass reinforced plastic fabrication methods.