System Performance in Rain in a Radome-Enclosed Environment

Computer modeling and analysis techniques have been established to evaluate performance during rain, in a radome-enclosed system. Electromagnetic transmission line theory using ray-tracing techniques is presented to compute transmission loss. Comparisons between theory and measured results are documented. Variations in water film thickness versus look angle and the resulting effect on performance are discussed. Other performance effects in rain, such as depolarization and noise temperature, are included in the analysis. The differences in performance using hydrophobic and non-hydrophobic materials can easily be predicted. Hydrophobic membrane materials are available for use with a radome, which yield excellent electromagnetic performance, even at mm wave frequencies. Recent tests are discussed which substantiate enhanced radome performance during rain.