A radome in an aircraft is a protective covering or enclosure that houses radar and communications antennas while allowing electromagnetic signals to pass through with minimal interference. It typically has an aerodynamic shape to minimize drag and is designed to withstand high-speed flight and various weather conditions. Aircraft radomes are crucial for maintaining radar transparency and antenna performance while protecting sensitive equipment from environmental elements.
Inside a radome there are radar and communications antennas that transmit and receive electromagnetic signals. These antennas are connected to the aircraft’s radar and communications systems, enabling functions such as weather radar, terrain mapping, air traffic control, and communication with ground stations or other aircraft. The radome itself acts as a protective barrier that shields these antennas from aerodynamic forces, weather hazards like rain and ice, and UV radiation, ensuring reliable operation in all flight conditions.
Radomes are classified based on their shape, size and intended application. Common classifications include nose radomes, which are mounted on the nose cone of the aircraft to house the weather radar and navigation antennas, and dorsal radomes, which are located on top of the aircraft fuselage to house satellite communications antennas. Radomes can also be classified by their operating frequency range, structural design (e.g., single or multi-piece construction), and their ability to withstand environmental conditions specific to aerospace applications.
Various materials are used for radomes, depending on factors such as electromagnetic transparency, mechanical strength, weight and durability. Common materials include fiberglass reinforced plastics (FRP), carbon fiber composites, and specialty polymers. These materials are selected for their ability to maintain radar transparency across specific frequency bands while providing sufficient structural integrity to withstand flight stresses, including aerodynamic loads and temperature variations. Advanced radar materials (RAMs) can also be incorporated into radome designs to minimize radar reflections and improve stealth capabilities in military aircraft.