[SatNews]  L-3 ESSCO has unveiled their new Durashed Radome™, the latest innovation in Metal Space Frame (MSF) protective structures.

The solution, developed in exclusive arrangement with DSM Dyneema, incorporates the latest innovation in ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) material, a patent-pending membrane branded as Dyneema® Crystal Technology. The Dyneema Crystal Technology is exceptionally hydrophobic and is 50 percent stronger than standard skins. It provides increased structural integrity to the radome and protects sensitive equipment by keeping the elements outside where they belong. It is also nearly transparent to microwaves, enabling military, civil and telecom organizations to realize the full potential of their advanced antenna, radar, radio astronomy or communications systems.

Hydrophobicity is critical to achieving RF transparency in wet environments. Normally, this is provided by a resin-based coating that must be reapplied every few years for maximum effectiveness. With L-3 ESSCO’s new solution, hydrophobic properties are inherent in the membrane itself, virtually eliminating the need for regular maintenance.

L-3 ESSCO’s Durashed Radome with Dyneema Crystal Technology offers maximum transparency and protection over a broad band of frequencies, providing greater range, higher accuracy and sensitivity, and more consistent performance. Specific benefits include:
 

• The lighter, 50 percent stronger membrane increases the structural integrity of the Durashed Radome, which can withstand wind speeds up to 250 mph and all forms of precipitation
• A very high level of hydrophobicity (water bead contact angle with the surface is greater than 100 degrees) means that water is instantly shed, which is critical at certain operating frequency bands
• An extremely low (0.004) loss tangent increases RF transparency
• The membrane can easily be sized to fit all existing L-3 ESSCO MSF panel sizes and truncations
• Reduced manufacturing cycle times mean orders can be delivered in two-thirds the time of conventional products
• Reduced maintenance requirements minimize costly downtime and lower lifetime costs
• Solution comes with the industry’s only 10-year limited warranty when installed by factory-trained L-3 ESSCO personnel
• Overall superior performance for the price means more value for customers

“We are constantly focused on implementing innovations that provide our customers with superior solutions,” said Thomas Casale, president of L-3 ESSCO. “Over the next few months, L-3 ESSCO will introduce a new generation of MSF radomes by rolling out a series of advances designed to deliver more value and respond to our customers’ evolving requirements. The first enhancement is our exclusive Durashed Radome with Dyneema Crystal Technology. Extensive independent testing of this new solution in extreme conditions has demonstrated revolutionary safety and performance increases, and we anticipate it will become the new go-to standard for the industry.”

L-3 ESSCO’s Durashed Radome with Dyneema Crystal Technology will be available beginning June 2015.