SOURCE: AFI
Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) has achieved a significant milestone in the development of indigenous fused silica radomes for missile applications. The laboratory has successfully mastered the Cold Isostatic Pressing (CIP) technology to manufacture these critical components with high yield and desired properties.
Radomes, the protective enclosures for radar antennas, play a crucial role in the performance of missiles. Fused silica is the preferred material for radomes due to its exceptional electromagnetic and mechanical properties, as well as its resistance to thermal shock. DMRL’s breakthrough lies in developing a cost-effective and efficient process to produce these radomes using indigenously available raw materials.
The CIP technology involves compressing powdered fused silica under high pressure to form the desired shape. Subsequent sintering transforms the material into a dense, robust structure. DMRL’s research focused on optimizing powder characteristics, binders, sintering reagents, and process parameters to achieve the desired microstructure and amorphous structure in the final product.
The resulting CIP-sintered silica radomes exhibit an ideal combination of density, electromagnetic properties, and mechanical strength, making them suitable for demanding missile applications. To protect its intellectual property, DMRL has filed a patent for the CIP technology used in silica radome manufacturing.
Moreover, the radomes have been successfully integrated with RF seekers and subjected to rigorous performance evaluation tests, demonstrating their compatibility and effectiveness. This achievement marks a significant step towards self-reliance in missile technology and strengthens India’s defense capabilities.