SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
The Indian Radar Development Establishment (IRDE) has issued a call for competent Indian industries to partner in the design and development of low radar cross-section (RCS) and low drag conformal domes for high-speed aerial platforms.
Conformal domes are essential components for housing electro-optical (EO) payloads on high-speed aircraft. These payloads, which typically include infrared (IR) and visible cameras, require a streamlined and aerodynamic enclosure to minimize drag and RCS, ensuring optimal performance and stealth.
IRDE envisions a conformal dome design incorporating multiple sapphire windows. Sapphire is an ideal material due to its high transparency, hardness, and resistance to thermal shock. The use of multiple sapphire windows allows for a more complex and efficient shape, further reducing drag and RCS.
The conformal dome must be designed to maintain image quality and prevent distortion, even at high speeds and varying environmental conditions. A hermetically sealed environment within the dome is crucial to protect the EO payload and ensure its reliable operation.
The upper portion of the conformal dome frame can be integrated with the belly of the aircraft, providing a seamless and aerodynamic interface. The individual sapphire windows will be joined together using appropriate cement or glue to form the dome’s structure.
IRDE is seeking Indian industries with expertise in materials science, optics, aerodynamics, and manufacturing to participate in this project. The selected partner will be responsible for the design, development, and testing of the conformal dome, ensuring it meets the stringent requirements for high-speed aerial platforms.
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