DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS OF RADOMES: A REVIEW

The word Radome is a contraction of radar and dome. Radome is a structural enclosure above the Radar so as to protect the antennas from external environmental disturbances. There are several considerations in the design and fabrication of Radomes. Microwave or Radar antennas can be protected by a radome which is a structural, weatherproof enclosure. Radome is transparent to Radar or radio waves and protects the antenna surfaces from the environmental factors like wind, rain, ice, sand, ultraviolet rays, etc. and conceals antenna's electronic equipment from public view. Nearby personnel are protected from being struck by quickly-rotating antennas accidentally. The current review discusses about Radomes and tries to present their constructional details and design consideration in detail. The scope of the current review also includes discussion of applications, functions, frequent damages, maintenance issues and recent development trends of Radomes.