RU2804431C1 - Fairing design - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: mechanical engineering.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the design of the fairing. The fairing structure may include a structural component, an inner adjustable layer component underlying the structural component, and an outer adjustable layer component covering the structural component. The structural component may include a first fibber-reinforced dielectric layer, which may include a first fibre-reinforced polymer. The inner adjustable layer component may include a first inner adjustable layer, which may include a second fibre-reinforced polymer. The outer adjustable layer component may include a first outer adjustable layer, which may include a third fibber-reinforced polymer.

EFFECT: minimizing the decrease in the power of the electromagnetic signal during broadband transmission of electromagnetic waves.

12 cl, 10 dwg

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to radome designs and, in particular, to radome designs optimized for transmission of broadband electromagnetic waves.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

In general, microwave antennas are covered with radomes to protect the antennas from harmful weather conditions in order to ensure continuous and accurate operation of the antenna. Fairings can be in the form of thin-walled fairings, monolithic fairings and multi-layer fairings. Thin-wall fairings are typically less than 1/16 inch thick and can be supported by pressurized air or a supporting frame. Monolithic radomes are typically made from a heavier monolithic laminate, while laminated radomes incorporate a low dielectric core material sandwiched between thin inner and outer layers of the laminated component. The core material usually has a foam structure or a honeycomb structure.

Regardless of the materials used to form the radomes, the design of the radome generally reduces the signal strength of electromagnetic waves transmitted from the antennas through the radome. This is especially true for broadband transmissions. Therefore, it is desirable to employ radomes with improved designs that can be adjusted and optimized to minimize electromagnetic signal power reduction during broadband electromagnetic wave transmissions.

SHORT DESCRIPTION

According to a first aspect, the radome structure may include a structural component, an inner tunable layer component underlying the structural component, and an outer tunable layer component overlying the structural component. The structural component may include a first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer, which may include a first fiber-reinforced polymer. The inner tunable layer component may include a first inner tunable layer, which may include a second fiber-reinforced polymer. The outer tunable layer component may include a first outer tunable layer, which may include a third fiber-reinforced polymer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF GRAPHIC MATERIALS

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and are not limited to the accompanying figures.

Fig. 1a and 1b include illustrations of a radome structure according to the embodiments described herein;

Fig. 2a and 2b include illustrations of a radome structure according to the embodiments described herein;

Fig. 3a and 3b include illustrations of a radome structure according to the embodiments described herein;

Fig. 4a and 4b include illustrations of a radome structure according to the embodiments described herein; And

Fig. 5a and 5b include illustrations of a radome structure according to the embodiments described herein.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED OPTION(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The following discussion focuses on specific embodiments and implementations of these ideas. Such detailed description provides an opportunity to facilitate the description of certain embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as limiting with respect to the disclosure or teachings of the invention, or the scope thereof. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may be used based on the disclosure and ideas presented herein.

The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” or any other variations thereof are intended to denote non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method, article, or device comprising a set of features is not necessarily limited solely to those features, but may include other features not expressly stated or inherent in such method, article, or device. In addition, unless expressly stated otherwise, the term “or” means an inclusive “or” and not an exclusive “or”. For example, the condition "A or B" corresponds to any of the following statements: "A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present)", "A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present)", and "both A and B are true (or present)".

The singular forms are also used to describe the elements and components described in this document. This is done only for convenience and to convey the general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be understood to include one, at least one, or the singular form also including the plural form, or vice versa, unless expressly implied otherwise. For example, if a given document describes a single element, multiple elements may be used instead of one element. Likewise, if more than one element is described herein, one element may be replaced by those more than one element.

The embodiments described herein generally relate to a radome structure, which may include a structural component, an inner tunable layer component underlying the structural component, and an outer tunable layer component overlying the structural component. The combination of the multilayer component and the internal tunable layer component is designed to optimize co-polarization and cross-polarization in the wideband spectrum (ie, the frequency range from approximately 10 GHz to approximately 31 GHz).

For purposes of illustration, FIG. 1a includes an illustration of the structure of the radome 100 according to the embodiments described herein. As shown in FIG. 1a, the radome structure 100 may include a structural component 120, an inner tunable layer component 110 underlying the structural component 120, and an outer tunable layer component 130 overlying the structural component 120. According to some embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 1a, structural component 120 may include a first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 121, which may include a first fiber-reinforced polymer. According to still other embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 1a, the inner tunable layer component 110 may include a first inner tunable layer 111, which may include a second fiber-reinforced polymer. According to still other embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 1a, the outer tunable layer component 130 may include a first outer tunable layer 131, which may include a third fiber-reinforced polymer.

Turning first to structural component 120, in some embodiments, structural component 120 may have a certain thickness. For example, the structural component 120 may have a thickness of at least about 0.1 mm, such as at least about 0.2 mm, or at least about 0.3 mm, or at least about 0.4 mm, or at least about 0. 5 mm, or not less than about 0.6 mm. or not less than about 0.7 mm, or not less than about 0.8 mm, or not less than about 0.9 mm, or not less than about 1.0 mm. In yet other embodiments, the structural component 120 may have a thickness of no more than about 15 mm, such as no more than about 14.5 mm, or no more than about 14.0 mm, or no more than about 13.5 mm, or no more than about 13 .0 mm or not more than about 12.5 mm, or not more than about 12.0 mm, or not more than about 11.5 mm, or not more than about 11.0 mm, or not more than about 10.5 mm, or not more than about 10.0 mm, or no more than about 9.5 mm, or no more than about 9.0 mm, or no more than about 8.5 mm, or no more than about 8.0 mm, or no more than about 7.5 mm , or no more than about 7.0 mm, or no more than about 6.5 mm, or no more than about 6.0 mm, or no more than about 5.5 mm, or even no more than about 5.0 mm. It should be understood that the thickness of the structural component 120 may range between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above. It should also be appreciated that the thickness of component 120 can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

With respect first to the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 121 of the structural component 120, in some embodiments, the first fiber-reinforced polymer of the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 121 may include a first polymer component and a first fiber component.

In some embodiments, the first polymer component of the first fiber-reinforced polymer may include an epoxy resin. In yet other embodiments, the first polymer component of the first fiber-reinforced polymer may include a cyanate ester resin. In still other embodiments, the first polymer component of the first fiber-reinforced polymer may include a combination of an epoxy resin and a cyanate ester resin. In still other embodiments, the first polymer component of the first fiber-reinforced polymer may consist essentially of an epoxy resin. In yet other embodiments, the first polymer component of the first fiber-reinforced polymer may consist essentially of a cyanate ester resin. In still other embodiments, the first polymer component of the first fiber-reinforced polymer may consist essentially of a combination of an epoxy resin and a cyanate ester resin.

In still other embodiments, the first fibrous component of the first fiber-reinforced polymer may include low dielectric quartz fabric, high modulus polypropylene (HMPP) fabric, electrical glass fabric (E glass), structural glass fabric (S glass), basalt fabric, or unidirectional quartz fabric tapes low dielectric constant, unidirectional electrical glass fabric tapes (E glass), unidirectional structural glass fabric tapes (S glass), unidirectional basalt fabric tapes, combinations thereof, or multi-component hybrid weaves thereof. In other embodiments, the first fibrous component of the second fiber-reinforced polymer may consist essentially of a low dielectric quartz fabric, a high modulus polypropylene (HMPP) fabric, an electrical glass fabric (E glass), an structural glass fabric (S glass), a basalt fabric or unidirectional low dielectric quartz fabric tapes, unidirectional electrical glass fabric tapes (E glass), unidirectional engineering glass fabric tapes (S glass), unidirectional basalt fabric tapes, combinations thereof, or multi-material hybrid weaves thereof.

According to yet another embodiment, the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 121 of the first structural layer of component 120 may have a certain thickness. For example, the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 121 may have a thickness of at least about 0.1 mm, such as at least about 0.2 mm, or at least about 0.3 mm, or at least about 0.4 mm, or at least about 0.4 mm. 0.5 mm, or not less than about 0.6 mm, or not less than about 0.7 mm, or not less than about 0.8 mm, or not less than about 0.9 mm, or not less than about 1.0 mm . In still other embodiments, the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 121 may have a thickness of no more than about 5.0 mm, such as no more than about 4.5 mm, or no more than about 4.0 mm, or no more than about 3.5 mm, or no more than about 3.0 mm or even no more than about 2.5 mm. It should be understood that the thickness of the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 121 may range between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above. It should also be appreciated that the thickness of the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 121 may be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

With respect to the first inner tunable layer 111 of the outer tunable layer 110 component, in some embodiments, the second fiber-reinforced polymer of the first inner tunable layer 111 may include a second polymer component and a second fiber component.

In some embodiments, the second polymer component of the second fiber-reinforced polymer may include an epoxy resin. In yet other embodiments, the second polymer component of the second fiber-reinforced polymer may include a cyanate ester resin. In yet other embodiments, the second polymer component of the second fiber-reinforced polymer may include a combination of an epoxy resin and a cyanate ester resin. In still other embodiments, the second polymer component of the second fiber-reinforced polymer may consist essentially of an epoxy resin. In still other embodiments, the second polymer component of the second fiber-reinforced polymer may consist essentially of a cyanate ester resin. In yet other embodiments, the second polymer component of the second fiber-reinforced polymer may consist essentially of a combination of an epoxy resin and a cyanate ester resin.

In still other embodiments, the second fibrous component of the second fiber-reinforced polymer may include a high modulus polypropylene (HMPP) fabric, a unidirectional HMPP tape, a hybrid HMPP weave with at least E glass, S glass, basalt or quartz fibers, or combinations thereof. In yet other embodiments, the second fibrous component of the second fiber-reinforced polymer may consist essentially of a high modulus polypropylene (HMPP) fabric, a unidirectional HMPP tape, a hybrid HMPP weave with at least E glass, S glass, basalt or quartz fibers, or the like. combinations.

In yet other embodiments, the inner custom layer component 110 may have a specific thickness. For example, the inner custom layer component 110 may have a thickness of at least about 0.5 mm, such as at least about 0.6 mm, or at least about 0.7 mm, or at least about 0.8 mm, or at least about 0.8 mm. 0.9 mm, or not less than about 1.0 mm, or not less than about 1.1 mm, or not less than about 1.2 mm, or not less than about 1.3 mm, or not less than about 1.4 mm, or not less than about 1 .5 mm or at least about 1.6 mm or at least about 1.7 mm or at least about 1.8 mm or at least about 1.9 mm or even at least about 2.0 mm. In still other embodiments, the inner tuning layer component 110 may have a thickness of no more than about 4.0 mm, such as no more than about 3.9 mm, or no more than about 3.8 mm, or no more than about 3.7 mm, or not more than about 3.6 mm or not more than about 3.5 mm or not more than about 3.4 mm or not more than about 3.3 mm or not more than about 3.2 mm or not more than about 3.0 mm or not more about 3.0 mm, or no more than about 2.9 mm, or no more than about 2.8 mm, or no more than about 2.7 mm, or no more than about 2.6 mm, or even no more than about 2.5 mm. It should be understood that the thickness of the inner custom layer 110 component may range between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above. It should also be appreciated that the thickness of the inner custom layer component 110 can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

According to yet another embodiment, the first inner custom layer 111 of the inner custom layer component 110 may have a specific thickness. For example, the first inner tunable layer 111 may have a thickness of at least about 0.5 mm, such as at least about 0.6 mm, or at least about 0.7 mm, or at least about 0.8 mm, or at least about 0 .9 mm, or not less than about 1.0 mm or not less than about 1.1 mm or not less than about 1.2 mm or not less than about 1.3 mm or not less than about 1.4 mm or not less than about 1, 5 mm or at least about 1.6 mm or at least about 1.7 mm or at least about 1.8 mm or at least about 1.9 mm or even at least about 2.0 mm. In other embodiments, the first inner custom layer 111 may have a thickness of no more than about 4.0 mm, such as no more than about 3.9 mm, or no more than about 3.8 mm, or no more than about 3.7 mm, or no more than about 3.7 mm or no more than about 3.6 mm or no more than about 3.5 mm or no more than about 3.4 mm or no more than about 3.3 mm or no more than about 3.2 mm or no more than about 3.0 mm or no more than about 3.0 mm or no more than about 2.9 mm or no more than about 2.8 mm or no more than about 2.7 mm or no more than about 2.6 mm or not even more than about 2.5 mm. It should be understood that the thickness of the first inner custom layer 111 may range between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above. It should also be appreciated that the thickness of the first inner custom layer 111 may be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

With respect to the first outer tunable layer 131 of the outer tunable layer component 130, in some embodiments, the third fiber-reinforced polymer of the first outer tunable layer 131 may include a third polymer component and a third fiber component.

In some embodiments, the third polymer component of the third fiber-reinforced polymer may include an epoxy resin. In still other embodiments, the third polymer component of the third fiber-reinforced polymer may include a cyanate ester resin. In yet other embodiments, the third polymer component of the third fiber-reinforced polymer may include a combination of an epoxy resin and a cyanate ester resin. In still other embodiments, the third polymer component of the third fiber-reinforced polymer may consist essentially of an epoxy resin. In yet other embodiments, the third polymer component of the third fiber-reinforced polymer may consist essentially of a cyanate ester resin. In yet other embodiments, the third polymer component of the third fiber-reinforced polymer may consist essentially of a combination of an epoxy resin and a cyanate ester resin.

In yet other embodiments, the third fibrous component of the third fiber-reinforced polymer may include a high modulus polypropylene (HMPP) fabric, a unidirectional HMPP tape, a hybrid HMPP weave with at least E glass, S glass, basalt or quartz fibers, or combinations thereof. In still other embodiments, the third fibrous component of the third fiber-reinforced polymer may consist essentially of a high modulus polypropylene (HMPP) fabric, a unidirectional HMPP tape, a hybrid HMPP weave with at least E glass, S glass, basalt or quartz fibers, or the like. combinations.

In still other embodiments, the outer custom layer component 130 may have a specific thickness. For example, the outer custom layer component 130 may have a thickness of at least about 0.5 mm, such as at least about 0.6 mm, or at least about 0.7 mm, or at least about 0.8 mm, or at least about 0.8 mm. 0.9 mm, or not less than about 1.0 mm, or not less than about 1.1 mm, or not less than about 1.2 mm, or not less than about 1.3 mm, or not less than about 1.4 mm, or not less than about 1 .5 mm or at least about 1.6 mm or at least about 1.7 mm or at least about 1.8 mm or at least about 1.9 mm or even at least about 2.0 mm. In still other embodiments, the outer custom layer component 130 may have a thickness of no more than about 4.0 mm, such as no more than about 3.9 mm, or no more than about 3.8 mm, or no more than about 3.7 mm, or not more than about 3.6 mm or not more than about 3.5 mm or not more than about 3.4 mm or not more than about 3.3 mm or not more than about 3.2 mm or not more than about 3.0 mm or not more about 3.0 mm, or no more than about 2.9 mm, or no more than about 2.8 mm, or no more than about 2.7 mm, or no more than about 2.6 mm, or even no more than about 2.5 mm. It should be understood that the thickness of the outer custom layer 130 component may range between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above. It should also be appreciated that the thickness of the outer custom layer component 130 can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

In still other embodiments, the first outer custom layer 131 of the outer custom layer 130 component may have a certain thickness. For example, the first outer tunable layer 131 may have a thickness of at least about 0.5 mm, such as at least about 0.6 mm, or at least about 0.7 mm, or at least about 0.8 mm, or at least about 0 .9 mm, or not less than about 1.0 mm or not less than about 1.1 mm or not less than about 1.2 mm or not less than about 1.3 mm or not less than about 1.4 mm or not less than about 1, 5 mm or at least about 1.6 mm or at least about 1.7 mm or at least about 1.8 mm or at least about 1.9 mm or even at least about 2.0 mm. In yet other embodiments, the first outer custom layer 131 may have a thickness of no more than about 4.0 mm, such as no more than about 3.9 mm, or no more than about 3.8 mm, or no more than about 3.7 mm, or not more than about 3.7 mm or not more than about 3.6 mm or not more than about 3.5 mm or not more than about 3.4 mm or not more than about 3.3 mm or not more than about 3.2 mm or not more about 3.0 mm or not more than about 3.0 mm or not more than about 2.9 mm or not more than about 2.8 mm or not more than about 2.7 mm or not more than about 2.6 mm or even no more than approximately 2.5 mm. It should be understood that the thickness of the first outer custom layer 131 may range between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above. It should also be appreciated that the thickness of the first outer adjustable layer 131 may be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

For purposes of further illustration, FIG. 1b illustrates the design of a radome 101 according to an alternative embodiment described herein. According to some embodiments and as shown in FIG. 1b, the radome structure 101 may include a structural component 120, an inner tunable layer component 110 underlying the structural component 120, and an outer tunable layer component 130 overlying the structural component 120. According to some embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 1b, structural component 120 may include a first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 121, which may include a first fiber-reinforced polymer. According to still other embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 1b, the inner tunable layer component 110 may include a first inner tunable layer 111 and a second inner tunable layer 112. The first inner tunable layer 111 may include a second fiber-reinforced polymer, and the second inner tunable layer 112 may include a layer of polymer foam. According to still other embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 1b, the outer tunable layer component 130 may include a first outer tunable layer 131, which may include a third fiber-reinforced polymer.

It will be appreciated that the structure of the fairing 101 and all components described with reference to the structure of the fairing 101, as shown in FIG. 1b may have any of the characteristics described herein with reference to the corresponding components in FIG. 1a. In particular, the design characteristics of the radome 101, the structural component 120, the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 121, the inner component of the tunable layer 110, the first inner tunable layer 111, the first outer component of the tunable layer 130, and the first outer tunable layer 131 shown in FIG. 1b may have any of the corresponding characteristics described herein with respect to the radome structure 100, the structural component 120, the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 121, the inner tunable layer component 110, the first inner tunable layer 111, the first outer tunable layer component 130, and the first outer tunable layer. layer 131 shown in FIG. 1a, respectively.

With respect to the second inner tunable layer 112 of the inner tunable layer 110 component according to some embodiments, the second inner tunable layer 112 may have a particular dielectric constant. For example, the second inner tunable layer 112 may have a dielectric constant of at least about 1.00, such as at least about 1.05, or at least about 1.10, or at least about 1.15, or at least about 1.20 , or at least about 1.25, or at least about 1.30, or at least about 1.35, or at least about 1.40, or at least about 1.45, or at least about 1.50, or not less than about 1.55, or not less than about 1.6, or not less than about 1.65, or not less than about 1.7, or not less than about 1.75, or not less than about 1.8, or not less about 1.85, or at least about 1.9, or at least about 1.95, or at least about 2.0, or at least about 2.05, or at least about 2.1, or at least about 2 .15, or even at least approximately 2.2. It should be appreciated that the dielectric constant of the second internal tunable layer 112 may be in the range between any of the values indicated above. It should also be appreciated that the dielectric constant of the second internal tunable layer 112 may be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

In yet other embodiments, the polymer foam layer of the second inner tunable layer 112 may have a specific dielectric constant. For example, the polymer foam layer may have a dielectric constant of at least about 1.00, such as at least about 1.05, or at least about 1.10, or at least about 1.15, or at least about 1.20, or not less than about 1.25, or not less than about 1.30, or not less than about 1.35, or not less than about 1.40, or not less than about 1.45, or not less than about 1.50, or not less about 1.55, or at least about 1.6, or at least about 1.65, or at least about 1.7, or at least about 1.75, or at least about 1.8, or at least about 1 .85, or not less than about 1.9, or not less than about 1.95, or not less than about 2.0, or not less than about 2.05, or not less than about 2.1, or not less than about 2.15 , or even at least approximately 2.2. It should be appreciated that the dielectric constant of the polymer foam layer may range between any of the values stated above. It should also be appreciated that the dielectric constant of the polymer foam layer can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

In other embodiments, the second inner custom layer 112 may have a specific density. For example, the second inner custom layer 112 may have a density of at least about 2 pounds per cubic foot, such as at least about 2.5 pounds per cubic foot, or at least about 3.0 pounds per cubic foot, or at least about 3. 5 pounds per cubic foot or not less than about 4.0 pounds per cubic foot or even not less than about 4.5 pounds per cubic foot. In yet other embodiments, the second inner custom layer 112 may have a density of no more than about 10 pounds per cubic foot, such as no more than about 9.5 pounds per cubic foot, or no more than about 9.0 pounds per cubic foot, or no more than about 8.5 pounds per cubic foot, or not more than about 8.0 pounds per cubic foot, or not more than about 7.5 pounds per cubic foot, or not more than about 7.0 pounds per cubic foot, or even not more than about 6 .5 pounds per cubic foot. It should be appreciated that the density of the second inner custom layer 112 may range between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above. It should also be appreciated that the density of the second inner custom layer 112 can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

In yet other embodiments, the polymer foam layer may have a specific density. For example, the polymer foam layer may have a density of at least about 2 pounds per cubic foot, such as at least about 2.5 pounds per cubic foot, or at least about 3.0 pounds per cubic foot, or at least about 3.5 pounds per cubic foot, or not less than about 4.0 pounds per cubic foot, or even not less than about 4.5 pounds per cubic foot. In yet other embodiments, the polymer foam layer may have a density of no more than about 10 pounds per cubic foot, such as no more than about 9.5 pounds per cubic foot, or no more than about 9.0 pounds per cubic foot, or no more than about 8 .5 pounds per cubic foot, or not more than about 8.0 pounds per cubic foot, or not more than about 7.5 pounds per cubic foot, or not more than about 7.0 pounds per cubic foot, or even not more than about 6. 5 pounds per cubic foot. It should be appreciated that the density of the polymer foam layer may range between any of the minimum and maximum values stated above. It should also be appreciated that the density of the polymer foam layer can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

In yet other embodiments, the polymer foam layer of the second inner tunable layer 112 may have a specific dielectric constant. For example, the polymer foam layer may have a dielectric constant of at least about 1.00, such as at least about 1.05, or at least about 1.10, or at least about 1.15, or at least about 1.20, or not less than about 1.25, or not less than about 1.30, or not less than about 1.35, or not less than about 1.40, or not less than about 1.45, or not less than about 1.50, or not less about 1.55, or at least about 1.6, or at least about 1.65, or at least about 1.7, or at least about 1.75, or at least about 1.8, or at least about 1 .85, or not less than about 1.9, or not less than about 1.95, or not less than about 2.0, or not less than about 2.05, or not less than about 2.1, or not less than about 2.15 , or even at least approximately 2.2. It should be appreciated that the dielectric constant of the polymer foam layer may range between any of the values stated above. It should also be appreciated that the dielectric constant of the polymer foam layer can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

In yet other embodiments, the second inner custom layer 112 of the inner custom layer 110 component may have a specific thickness. For example, the first inner tunable layer 112 may have a thickness of at least about 0.5 mm, such as at least about 0.6 mm, or at least about 0.7 mm, or at least about 0.8 mm, or at least about 0 .9 mm, or not less than about 1.0 mm or not less than about 1.1 mm or not less than about 1.2 mm or not less than about 1.3 mm or not less than about 1.4 mm or not less than about 1, 5 mm or at least about 1.6 mm or at least about 1.7 mm or at least about 1.8 mm or at least about 1.9 mm or even at least about 2.0 mm. In still other embodiments, the second inner custom layer 112 may have a thickness of no more than about 4.0 mm, such as no more than about 3.9 mm, or no more than about 3.8 mm, or no more than about 3.7 mm, or not more than about 3.7 mm or not more than about 3.6 mm or not more than about 3.5 mm or not more than about 3.4 mm or not more than about 3.3 mm or not more than about 3.2 mm or not more about 3.0 mm or not more than about 3.0 mm or not more than about 2.9 mm or not more than about 2.8 mm or not more than about 2.7 mm or not more than about 2.6 mm or even no more than approximately 2.5 mm. It should be understood that the thickness of the second inner adjustable layer 112 may range between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above. It should also be appreciated that the thickness of the second inner adjustable layer 112 may be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

In still other embodiments, the polymer foam layer of the inner custom layer component 110 may have a specific thickness. For example, the polymer foam layer may have a thickness of at least about 0.5 mm, such as at least about 0.6 mm, or at least about 0.7 mm, or at least about 0.8 mm, or at least about 0. 9 mm, or not less than about 1.0 mm. or not less than about 1.1 mm, or not less than about 1.2 mm, or not less than about 1.3 mm, or not less than about 1.4 mm, or not less than about 1.5 mm, or not less than about 1 .6 mm, or at least about 1.7 mm, or at least about 1.8 mm, or at least about 1.9 mm, or even at least about 2.0 mm. In still other embodiments, the polymer foam layer may have a thickness of no more than about 4.0 mm, such as no more than about 3.9 mm, or no more than about 3.8 mm, or no more than about 3.7 mm, or no more about 3.6 mm, or not more than about 3.5 mm, or not more than about 3.4 mm, or not more than about 3.3 mm, or not more than about 3.2 mm, or not more than about 3.0 mm, or no more than about 3.0 mm, or no more than about 2.9 mm, or no more than about 2.8 mm, or no more than about 2.7 mm, or no more than about 2.6 mm, or even no more than about 2 .5 mm. It should be understood that the thickness of the polymer foam layer may range between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above. It should also be appreciated that the thickness of the polymer foam layer can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

For purposes of further illustration, FIG. 2a includes an illustration of the design of a radome 200 according to yet another alternative embodiment described herein. According to some embodiments and as shown in FIG. 2a, the radome structure 200 may include a structural component 220, an inner tunable layer component 210 underlying the structural component 220, and an outer tunable layer component 230 overlying the structural component 220. According to some embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 2a, structural component 220 may include a first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 221, a first low dielectric constant layer 222 covering the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 221, and a second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 223. The first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 221 may include a first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 221. fiber-reinforced polymer, and the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 223 may include a fourth fiber-reinforced polymer. According to still other embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 2a, the inner tunable layer component 210 may include a first inner tunable layer 211, which may include a second fiber-reinforced polymer. According to still other embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 2a, outer tunable layer component 230 may include a first outer tunable layer 231, which may include a third fiber-reinforced polymer.

It will be appreciated that the structure of the fairing 200 and all components described with reference to the structure of the fairing 200, as shown in FIG. 2a may have any of the characteristics described herein with reference to the corresponding components in FIG. 1a and 1b. Specifically, the design characteristics of the radome 200, the structural component 220, the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 221, the inner tunable layer component 210, the first inner tunable layer 211, the first outer tunable layer component 230, and the first outer tunable layer 231 are shown in FIG. 2a may have any of the corresponding characteristics described herein with respect to the radome design 100 (101), structural component 120, first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 121, inner tunable layer component 110, second inner tunable layer 111, second outer tunable layer 112, component the first outer custom layer 130 and the first outer custom layer 131 shown in FIG. 1a and/or Fig. 1b respectively.

With respect to the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 221 of the structural component 220, in some embodiments, the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 221 may include a high dielectric constant material.

In certain embodiments, the high dielectric constant material of the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 221 may have a certain dielectric constant. For example, the dielectric constant of the high dielectric constant material may be at least about 2.5, such as at least about 2.8, or at least about 3.0, or at least about 3.3, or at least about 3.5 , or at least about 3.8, or even at least about 4.0. In yet another embodiment, the dielectric constant of the high dielectric constant material may be no more than about 8.0, such as no more than about 7.7, or no more than about 7.5, or no more than about 7.2, or no more than about 7.2. 7.0, or no more than about 6.7, or no more than about 6.5, or no more than about 6.2, or even no more than about 6.0. It should be appreciated that the dielectric constant of a high dielectric constant material may range between any of the values stated above. It should also be appreciated that the dielectric constant of a high dielectric constant material can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

In still other embodiments, the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 221 may have a specific dielectric constant. For example, the dielectric constant of the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 221 may be at least about 2.5, such as at least about 2.8, or at least about 3.0, or at least about 3.3, or at least about 3. 5, or at least about 3.8, or even at least about 4.0. In yet another embodiment, the dielectric constant of the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 221 may be no more than about 8.0, such as no more than about 7.7, or no more than about 7.5, or no more than about 7.2, or no more about 7.0, or not more than about 6.7, or not more than about 6.5, or not more than about 6.2, or even not more than about 6.0. It should be appreciated that the dielectric constant of the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 221 may range between any of the values noted above. It should also be appreciated that the dielectric constant of the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 221 may be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

In still other embodiments, the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 221 may have a specific thickness. For example, the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 221 may have a thickness of at least about 0.1 mm, such as at least about 0.2 mm, or at least about 0.3 mm, or at least about 0.4 mm, or at least about 0.5 mm, or at least about 0.6 mm, or at least about 0.7 mm, or at least about 0.8 mm, or at least about 0.9 mm, or at least about 1.0 mm . In still other embodiments, the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 221 may have a thickness of no more than about 5.0 mm, such as no more than about 4.5 mm, or no more than about 4.0 mm, or no more than about 3.5 mm, or no more than about 3.0 mm or even no more than about 2.5 mm. In addition, it should be understood that the thickness of the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 221 may be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

With respect to the first low dielectric constant layer 222 of the structural component 220 according to some embodiments, the first low dielectric constant layer 222 may include a low dielectric constant material.

In certain embodiments, the low dielectric constant material of the first low dielectric constant layer 222 may have a certain dielectric constant. For example, the dielectric constant of the low dielectric constant material may be at least about 1.1, such as at least about 1.2, or at least about 1.3, or at least about 1.4, or at least about 1.5 , or not less than about 1.6, or not less than about 1.7. or at least about 1.8, or at least about 1.9, or at least about 2.0, or at least about 2.1, or at least about 2.2, or at least about 2.3, or even at least approximately 2.4. In yet another embodiment, the dielectric constant of the low dielectric constant material may be no more than about 5.0, such as no more than about 4.9, or no more than about 4.8, or no more than about 4.7, or no more than about 4.7. 4.6, or not more than about 4.5, or not more than about 4.4, or not more than about 4.3, or not more than about 4.2, or not more than about 4.1, or not more than about 4.0, or not more than about 3.9, or not more than about 3.8, or not more than about 3.7, or not more than about 3.6, or not more than about 3.5, or not more than about 3.4, or not more than about 3.3, or not more than about 3.2, or no more than about 3.1, or no more than about 3.0, or no more than about 2.9, or no more than about 2.8, or no more than about 2.7, or even no more than about 2.6 . It should be appreciated that the dielectric constant of a low dielectric constant material may range between any of the values stated above. It should also be appreciated that the dielectric constant of a low dielectric constant material can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

In certain embodiments, the first low dielectric constant layer 222 may have a specific dielectric constant. For example, the dielectric constant of the first low dielectric constant layer 222 may be at least about 1.1, such as at least about 1.2, or at least about 1.3, or at least about 1.4, or at least about 1 .5, or at least about 1.6, or at least about 1.7, or at least about 1.8, or at least about 1.9, or at least about 2.0, or at least about 2.1 , or at least about 2.2, or at least about 2.3, or even at least about 2.4. In yet another embodiment, the dielectric constant of the first low dielectric constant layer 222 may be no more than about 5.0, such as no more than about 4.9, or no more than about 4.8, or no more than about 4.7, or no more than about 4.6, or no more than about 4.5, or no more than about 4.4, or no more than about 4.3, or no more than about 4.2, or no more than about 4.1, or no more than about 4.0, or not more than about 3.9, or not more than about 3.8, or not more than about 3.7, or not more than about 3.6, or not more than about 3.5, or not more than about 3, 4, or not more than about 3.3, or not more than about 3.2, or not more than about 3.1, or not more than about 3.0, or not more than about 2.9, or not more than about 2.8, or no more than about 2.7, or even no more than about 2.6. It should be appreciated that the dielectric constant of the first low dielectric constant layer 222 may range between any of the values noted above. It should also be appreciated that the dielectric constant of the first low dielectric constant layer 222 may be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

In certain embodiments, the low dielectric constant material of the first low dielectric constant layer 222 may include a polymer foam. In yet other embodiments, the low dielectric constant material of the first low dielectric constant layer 222 may include syntactic foam. In still other embodiments, the low dielectric constant material of the first low dielectric constant layer 222 may include an HMPP reinforced polymer. In certain embodiments, the low dielectric constant material of the first low dielectric constant layer 222 may consist essentially of a polymer foam. In still other embodiments, the low dielectric constant material of the first low dielectric constant layer 222 may consist essentially of syntactic foam. In still other embodiments, the low dielectric constant material of the first low dielectric constant layer 222 may consist essentially of an HMPP reinforced polymer.

In certain embodiments, the first low dielectric constant layer 222 may include a polymer foam. In yet other embodiments, the first low dielectric constant layer 222 may include syntactic foam. In still other embodiments, the first low dielectric constant layer 222 may include an HMPP reinforced polymer. In certain embodiments, the first low dielectric constant layer 222 may consist essentially of a polymer foam. In still other embodiments, the first low dielectric constant layer 222 may consist essentially of syntactic foam. In still other embodiments, the first low dielectric constant layer 222 may consist essentially of an HMPP reinforced polymer.

In still other embodiments, the first low dielectric constant layer 222 may have a certain thickness. For example, the first low dielectric constant layer 222 may have a thickness of at least about 0.1 mm, such as at least about 0.2 mm, or at least about 0.3 mm, or at least about 0.4 mm, or not less than about 0.5 mm, or not less than about 0.6 mm, or not less than about 0.7 mm, or not less than about 0.8 mm, or not less than about 0.9 mm, or not less than about 1.0 mm. In still other embodiments, the first low dielectric constant layer 222 may have a thickness of no more than about 5.0 mm, such as no more than about 4.5 mm, or no more than about 4.0 mm, or no more than about 3.5 mm. , or no more than about 3.0 mm or even no more than about 2.5 mm. It should be understood that the thickness of the first low dielectric constant layer 222 may range between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above. It should also be appreciated that the thickness of the first low dielectric layer 222 may be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

With respect to the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 223, in some embodiments, the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 223 may include a high dielectric constant material.

In certain embodiments, the high dielectric constant material of the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 223 may have a certain dielectric constant. For example, the dielectric constant of the high dielectric constant material may be at least about 2.5, such as at least about 2.8, or at least about 3.0, or at least about 3.3, or at least about 3.5 , or at least about 3.8, or even at least about 4.0. In yet another embodiment, the dielectric constant of the high dielectric constant material may be no more than about 8.0, such as no more than about 7.7, or no more than about 7.5, or no more than about 7.2, or no more than about 7.2. 7.0, or no more than about 6.7, or no more than about 6.5, or no more than about 6.2, or even no more than about 6.0. It should be appreciated that the dielectric constant of a high dielectric constant material may range between any of the values stated above. It should also be appreciated that the dielectric constant of a high dielectric constant material can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

In yet another embodiment, the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 223 may have a specific dielectric constant. For example, the dielectric constant of the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 223 may be at least about 2.5, such as at least about 2.8, or at least about 3.0, or at least about 3.3, or at least about 3. 5, or at least about 3.8, or even at least about 4.0. In yet another embodiment, the dielectric constant of the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 223 may be no more than about 8.0, such as no more than about 7.7, or no more than about 7.5, or no more than about 7.2, or no more about 7.0, or not more than about 6.7, or not more than about 6.5, or not more than about 6.2, or even not more than about 6.0. It should be appreciated that the dielectric constant of the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 223 may range between any of the values noted above. It should also be appreciated that the dielectric constant of the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 223 may be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

In still other embodiments, the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 223 may include a fourth fiber-reinforced polymer. In still other embodiments, the fourth fiber-reinforced polymer of the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 223 may include a fourth polymer component and a fourth fiber component.

In some embodiments, the fourth polymer component of the fourth fiber-reinforced polymer may include an epoxy resin. In yet other embodiments, the fourth polymer component of the fourth fiber-reinforced polymer may include a cyanate ester resin. In still other embodiments, the fourth polymer component of the fourth fiber-reinforced polymer may include a combination of an epoxy resin and a cyanate ester resin. In yet other embodiments, the fourth polymer component of the fourth fiber-reinforced polymer may consist essentially of an epoxy resin. In still other embodiments, the fourth polymer component of the fourth fiber-reinforced polymer may consist essentially of a cyanate ester resin. In still other embodiments, the fourth polymer component of the fourth fiber-reinforced polymer may consist essentially of a combination of an epoxy resin and a cyanate ester resin.

In yet other embodiments, the fourth fibrous component of the fourth fiber-reinforced polymer may include a high modulus polypropylene (HMPP) fabric, a unidirectional HMPP tape, a hybrid HMPP weave with at least E glass, S glass, basalt or quartz fibers, or combinations thereof. In yet other embodiments, the fourth fibrous component of the fourth fiber-reinforced polymer may consist essentially of a high modulus polypropylene (HMPP) fabric, a unidirectional HMPP tape, a hybrid HMPP weave with at least E glass, S glass, basalt or quartz fibers, or the like. combinations.

In yet other embodiments, the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 223 may have a specific thickness. For example, the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 223 may have a thickness of at least about 0.1 mm, such as at least about 0.2 mm, or at least about 0.3 mm, or at least about 0.4 mm, or at least about 0.4 mm. 0.5 mm, or not less than about 0.6 mm, or not less than about 0.7 mm, or not less than about 0.8 mm, or not less than about 0.9 mm, or not less than about 1.0 mm . In still other embodiments, the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 223 may have a thickness of no more than about 5.0 mm, such as no more than about 4.5 mm, or no more than about 4.0 mm, or no more than about 3.5 mm, or no more than about 3.0 mm or even no more than about 2.5 mm. It should be understood that the thickness of the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 223 may range between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above. It should also be appreciated that the thickness of the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 223 may be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

For purposes of further illustration, FIG. 2b includes an illustration of the design of the radome 201 according to yet another alternative embodiment described herein. According to some embodiments and as shown in FIG. 2b, the radome structure 201 may include a structural component 220, an inner tunable layer component 210 underlying the structural component 220, and an outer tunable layer component 230 overlying the structural component 220. According to some embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 2a, structural component 220 may include a first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 221, a first low-dielectric constant layer 222 covering the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 221, and a second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 223. According to still other embodiments and as also shown in Fig. 2b, the inner tunable layer component 210 may include a first inner tunable layer 211 and a second inner tunable layer 212. The first inner tunable layer 211 may include a second fiber-reinforced polymer, and the second inner tunable layer 212 may include a layer of polymer foam. According to still other embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 2b, the outer tunable layer component 230 may include a first outer tunable layer 231, which may include a third fiber-reinforced polymer.

It will be appreciated that the structure of the fairing 201 and all components described with reference to the structure of the fairing 201, as shown in FIG. 2b may have any of the characteristics described herein with reference to the corresponding components in FIG. 1a, Fig. 1b and Fig. 2a. Specifically, the design characteristics of the radome 201, structural component 220, first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 221, first low dielectric layer 222, second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 223, inner tunable layer component 210, first inner tunable layer 211, second inner tunable layer 212, components of the first outer custom layer 230 and the first outer custom layer 231 shown in FIG. 2b may have any of the corresponding characteristics described herein with respect to the radome structure 200 (101) (100), the structural component 220 (120), the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 221 (121), the first low dielectric layer 222 (122) , a second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 223 (123), an inner tunable layer component 210 (110), a first inner tunable layer 211 (111), a second inner tunable layer 212 (112), a first outer tunable layer component 230 (130), and a first outer custom layer 231 (131) shown in FIG. 1a, Fig. 1b and/or Fig. 2a, respectively.

For purposes of further illustration, FIG. 3a illustrates the design of a radome 300 according to an alternative embodiment described herein. According to some embodiments and as shown in FIG. 3a, the radome structure 300 may include a structural component 320, an inner tunable layer component 310 underlying the structural component 320, and an outer tunable layer component 330 overlying the structural component 320. According to some embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 3a, structural component 320 may include a first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 321, a first low-dielectric constant layer 322 covering the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 321, a second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 323 covering the first low-dielectric constant layer 322, a second layer 324 with a low dielectric constant covering the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 323, a third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 325 covering the second layer 324 with a low dielectric constant. The first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 321 may include a first fiber-reinforced polymer, the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 323 may include a fourth fiber-reinforced polymer, and the third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 325 may include a fifth fiber-reinforced polymer. According to still other embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 3a, the inner tunable layer component 310 may include a first inner tunable layer 311, which may include a second fiber-reinforced polymer. According to still other embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 3a, outer tunable layer component 330 may include a first outer tunable layer 331, which may include a third fiber-reinforced polymer.

It will be appreciated that the structure of the fairing 300 and all components described with reference to the design of the fairing 300, as shown in FIG. 3a may have any of the characteristics described herein with reference to the corresponding components in FIG. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b. Specifically, the design characteristics of the radome 300, structural component 320, first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 321, first low dielectric layer 322, second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 323, inner tunable layer component 310, first inner tunable layer 311, second inner tunable layer 312, components of the first outer custom layer 330 and the first outer custom layer 331 shown in FIG. 3a may have any of the corresponding characteristics described herein with respect to the radome structure 200 (201) (100) (101), the structural component 220 (120), the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 221 (121), the first low dielectric layer 222 (122), second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 223 (123), inner tunable layer component 210 (110), first inner tunable layer 211 (111), second inner tunable layer 212 (112), first outer tunable layer component 230 (130) and the first outer custom layer 231 (131) shown in FIG. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 2a and/or Fig. 2b respectively.

With respect to the second low dielectric constant layer 324 of the structural component 320 according to some embodiments, the first low dielectric constant layer 324 may include a low dielectric constant material.

In certain embodiments, the low dielectric constant material of the second low dielectric constant layer 324 may have a certain dielectric constant. For example, the dielectric constant of the low dielectric constant material may be at least about 1.1, such as at least about 1.2, or at least about 1.3, or at least about 1.4, or at least about 1.5 , or not less than about 1.6, or not less than about 1.7. or at least about 1.8, or at least about 1.9, or at least about 2.0, or at least about 2.1, or at least about 2.2, or at least about 2.3, or even at least approximately 2.4. In yet another embodiment, the dielectric constant of the low dielectric constant material may be no more than about 5.0, such as no more than about 4.9, or no more than about 4.8, or no more than about 4.7, or no more than about 4.7. 4.6, or not more than about 4.5, or not more than about 4.4, or not more than about 4.3, or not more than about 4.2, or not more than about 4.1, or not more than about 4.0, or not more than about 3.9, or not more than about 3.8, or not more than about 3.7, or not more than about 3.6, or not more than about 3.5, or not more than about 3.4, or not more than about 3.3, or not more than about 3.2, or no more than about 3.1, or no more than about 3.0, or no more than about 2.9, or no more than about 2.8, or no more than about 2.7, or even no more than about 2.6 . It should be appreciated that the dielectric constant of a low dielectric constant material may range between any of the values stated above. It should also be appreciated that the dielectric constant of a low dielectric constant material can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

In certain embodiments, the second low dielectric constant layer 324 may have a specific dielectric constant. For example, the dielectric constant of the first low dielectric constant layer 324 may be at least about 1.1, such as at least about 1.2, or at least about 1.3, or at least about 1.4, or at least about 1 .5, or at least about 1.6, or at least about 1.7, or at least about 1.8, or at least about 1.9, or at least about 2.0, or at least about 2.1 , or at least about 2.2, or at least about 2.3, or even at least about 2.4. In yet another embodiment, the dielectric constant of the second low dielectric constant layer 324 may be no more than about 5.0, such as no more than about 4.9, or no more than about 4.8, or no more than about 4.7, or no more than about 4.6, or no more than about 4.5, or no more than about 4.4, or no more than about 4.3, or no more than about 4.2, or no more than about 4.1, or no more than about 4.0, or not more than about 3.9, or not more than about 3.8, or not more than about 3.7, or not more than about 3.6, or not more than about 3.5, or not more than about 3, 4, or not more than about 3.3, or not more than about 3.2, or not more than about 3.1, or not more than about 3.0, or not more than about 2.9, or not more than about 2.8, or no more than about 2.7, or even no more than about 2.6. It should be appreciated that the dielectric constant of the second low dielectric constant layer 324 may range between any of the values noted above. It should also be appreciated that the dielectric constant of the second low dielectric constant layer 324 may be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

In certain embodiments, the low dielectric constant material of the second low dielectric constant layer 324 may include a polymer foam. In yet other embodiments, the low dielectric constant material of the second low dielectric constant layer 324 may include syntactic foam. In yet other embodiments, the low dielectric constant material of the second low dielectric constant layer 324 may include an HMPP reinforced polymer. In certain embodiments, the low dielectric constant material of the second low dielectric constant layer 324 may consist essentially of a polymer foam. In yet other embodiments, the low dielectric constant material of the second low dielectric constant layer 324 may consist essentially of syntactic foam. In still other embodiments, the low dielectric constant material of the second low dielectric constant layer 324 may consist essentially of an HMPP reinforced polymer.

In certain embodiments, the second low dielectric constant layer 324 may include a polymer foam. In still other embodiments, the low dielectric constant second layer 324 may include syntactic foam. In yet other embodiments, the second low dielectric constant layer 324 may include an HMPP reinforced polymer. In certain embodiments, the second low dielectric constant layer 324 may consist essentially of a polymer foam. In still other embodiments, the second low dielectric constant layer 324 may be composed of substantially syntactic foam. In still other embodiments, the second low dielectric constant layer 324 may consist essentially of an HMPP reinforced polymer.

In still other embodiments, the second low dielectric constant layer 324 may have a certain thickness. For example, the second low dielectric constant layer 324 may have a thickness of at least about 0.1 mm, such as at least about 0.2 mm, or at least about 0.3 mm, or at least about 0.4 mm, or not less than about 0.5 mm, or not less than about 0.6 mm, or not less than about 0.7 mm, or not less than about 0.8 mm, or not less than about 0.9 mm, or not less than about 1.0 mm. In still other embodiments, the second low dielectric constant layer 324 may have a thickness of no more than about 5.0 mm, such as no more than about 4.5 mm, or no more than about 4.0 mm, or no more than about 3.5 mm. , or no more than about 3.0 mm or even no more than about 2.5 mm. It should be understood that the thickness of the second low dielectric layer 324 may range between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above. It should also be appreciated that the thickness of the second low dielectric constant layer 324 may be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

With respect to the third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 325, in some embodiments, the third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 325 may include a high dielectric constant material.

In certain embodiments, the high dielectric constant material of the third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 325 may have a certain dielectric constant. For example, the dielectric constant of the high dielectric constant material may be at least about 2.5, such as at least about 2.8, or at least about 3.0, or at least about 3.3, or at least about 3.5 , or at least about 3.8, or even at least about 4.0. In yet another embodiment, the dielectric constant of the high dielectric constant material may be no more than about 8.0, such as no more than about 7.7, or no more than about 7.5, or no more than about 7.2, or no more than about 7.2. 7.0, or no more than about 6.7, or no more than about 6.5, or no more than about 6.2, or even no more than about 6.0. It should be appreciated that the dielectric constant of a high dielectric constant material may range between any of the values stated above. It should also be appreciated that the dielectric constant of a high dielectric constant material can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

In still other embodiments, the third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 325 may have a specific dielectric constant. For example, the dielectric constant of the third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 325 may be at least about 2.5, such as at least about 2.8, or at least about 3.0, or at least about 3.3, or at least about 3. 5, or at least about 3.8, or even at least about 4.0. In yet another embodiment, the dielectric constant of the third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 325 may be no more than about 8.0, such as no more than about 7.7, or no more than about 7.5, or no more than about 7.2, or no more about 7.0, or not more than about 6.7, or not more than about 6.5, or not more than about 6.2, or even not more than about 6.0. It should be appreciated that the dielectric constant of the third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 325 may range between any of the values noted above. It should also be appreciated that the dielectric constant of the third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 325 may be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

In other embodiments, the third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 325 may include a fifth fiber-reinforced polymer. In still other embodiments, the fifth fiber-reinforced polymer of the third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 325 may include a fifth polymer component and a fifth fiber component.

In some embodiments, the fifth polymer component of the fifth fiber-reinforced polymer may include an epoxy resin. In still other embodiments, the fifth polymer component of the fifth fiber-reinforced polymer may include a cyanate ester resin. In still other embodiments, the fifth polymer component of the fifth fiber-reinforced polymer may include a combination of an epoxy resin and a cyanate ester resin. In yet other embodiments, the fifth polymer component of the fifth fiber-reinforced polymer may consist essentially of an epoxy resin. In still other embodiments, the fifth polymer component of the fifth fiber-reinforced polymer may consist essentially of a cyanate ester resin. In yet other embodiments, the fifth polymer component of the fifth fiber-reinforced polymer may consist essentially of a combination of an epoxy resin and a cyanate ester resin.

In still other embodiments, the fifth fibrous component of the fifth fiber-reinforced polymer may include a high modulus polypropylene (HMPP) fabric, a unidirectional HMPP tape, a hybrid HMPP weave with at least E glass, S glass, basalt or quartz fibers, or combinations thereof. In yet other embodiments, the fifth fibrous component of the fifth fiber-reinforced polymer may consist essentially of a high modulus polypropylene (HMPP) fabric, a HMPP unidirectional tape, a hybrid HMPP weave with at least E glass, S glass, basalt or quartz fibers, or the like. combinations.

In yet other embodiments, the third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 325 may have a specific thickness. For example, the third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 325 may have a thickness of at least about 0.1 mm, such as at least about 0.2 mm, or at least about 0.3 mm, or at least about 0.4 mm, or at least about 0.4 mm. 0.5 mm, or not less than about 0.6 mm, or not less than about 0.7 mm, or not less than about 0.8 mm, or not less than about 0.9 mm, or not less than about 1.0 mm . In still other embodiments, the third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 325 may have a thickness of no more than about 5.0 mm, such as no more than about 4.5 mm, or no more than about 4.0 mm, or no more than about 3.5 mm, or no more than about 3.0 mm or even no more than about 2.5 mm. It should be understood that the thickness of the third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 325 may range between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above. It should also be appreciated that the thickness of the third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 325 may be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

For purposes of further illustration, FIG. 3b includes an illustration of the design of the radome 301 according to yet another alternative embodiment described herein. According to some embodiments and as shown in FIG. 3b, the radome structure 301 may include a structural component 320, an inner tunable layer component 310 underlying the structural component 320, and an outer tunable layer component 330 overlying the structural component 320. According to some embodiments and as also shown in FIG. For example, structural component 320 may include a first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 321, a first low-dielectric constant layer 322 covering the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 321, a second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 323 covering the first low-dielectric constant layer 322, a second layer 324 with a low dielectric constant covering the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 323, a third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 325 covering the second layer 324 with a low dielectric constant. According to still other embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 3b, the inner tunable layer component 310 may include a first inner tunable layer 311 and a second inner tunable layer 312. The first inner tunable layer 311 may include a second fiber-reinforced polymer, and the second inner tunable layer 312 may include a layer of polymer foam. According to still other embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 3b, the outer tunable layer component 330 may include a first outer tunable layer 331, which may include a third fiber-reinforced polymer.

It will be appreciated that the structure of the fairing 301 and all components described with reference to the structure of the fairing 301, as shown in FIG. 3b may have any of the characteristics described herein with reference to the corresponding components in FIG. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b and Fig. 3a. Specifically, the design characteristics of the radome 301, structural component 320, first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 321, first low dielectric layer 322, second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 323, second low-dielectric layer 324, third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 325, component an inner custom layer 310, a first inner custom layer 311, a second inner custom layer 312, a component of the first outer custom layer 330, and a first outer custom layer 331, shown in FIG. 3b may have any of the corresponding characteristics described herein with respect to radome structure 300 (200) (201) (100) (101), structural component 320 (220) (120), first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 321 (221) (121 ), a first low dielectric layer 322 (222)(122), a second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 323 (223)(123), a second low-dielectric layer 324, a third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 325, a component of the inner tunable layer 310 ( 210) (110), the first inner custom layer 211 (111), the second inner custom layer 212 (112), a component of the first outer custom layer 230 (130), and the first outer custom layer 231 (131) shown in FIG. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 2a and/or Fig. 2b respectively.

For purposes of further illustration, FIG. 4a includes an illustration of the design of a radome 400 according to yet another alternative embodiment described herein. According to some embodiments and as shown in FIG. 4a, the radome structure 400 may include a structural component 420, an inner tunable layer component 410 underlying the structural component 420, and an outer tunable layer component 430 overlying the structural component 420. According to some embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 4a, structural component 420 may include a first low dielectric constant layer 422, a first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 421 covering the first low dielectric constant layer 422, and a second low dielectric constant layer 424 covering the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 421. The first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 421 may include a first fiber-reinforced polymer. According to still other embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 4a, the inner tunable layer component 410 may include a first inner tunable layer 411, which may include a second fiber-reinforced polymer. According to still other embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 4a, outer tunable layer component 430 may include a first outer tunable layer 431, which may include a third fiber-reinforced polymer.

It will be appreciated that the structure of the fairing 400 and all components described with reference to the design of the fairing 400, as shown in FIG. 4a may have any of the characteristics described herein with reference to the corresponding components in FIG. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b. Specifically, the design characteristics of the radome 400, structural component 420, first low dielectric layer 422, first fiber reinforced dielectric layer 421, second low dielectric layer 424, inner tunable layer component 410, first inner tunable layer 411, second inner tunable layer 412, a component of the first outer custom layer 430, shown in FIG. 4a may have any of the corresponding characteristics described herein in relation to the radome structure 300 (301) (200) (201) (100) (101), structural component 320 (220) (120), first layer 322 (222) (122) low dielectric constant, first fiber reinforced dielectric layer 321 (221) (121), second low dielectric constant layer 324, internal tunable layer component 310 (210) (110), first inner tunable layer 311 (211) ( 111), the first outer custom layer component 330 (230) (130) and the first outer custom layer 331 (231) (131) shown in FIG. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. For and Fig. 3b respectively.

For purposes of further illustration, FIG. 4b includes an illustration of the design of the fairing 401 according to yet another alternative embodiment described herein. According to some embodiments and as shown in FIG. 4b, the radome structure 400 may include a structural component 420, an inner tunable layer component 410 underlying the structural component 420, and an outer tunable layer component 430 overlying the structural component 420. According to some embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 4a, structural component 420 may include a first low dielectric constant layer 422, a first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 421 covering the first low dielectric constant layer 422, and a second low dielectric constant layer 424 covering the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 421. The first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 421 may include a first fiber-reinforced polymer. According to still other embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 4a, the inner tunable layer component 410 may include a first inner tunable layer 411, which may include a second fiber-reinforced polymer. According to still other embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 4a, outer tunable layer component 430 may include a first outer tunable layer 431, which may include a third fiber-reinforced polymer.

It will be appreciated that the structure of the fairing 400 and all components described with reference to the design of the fairing 400, as shown in FIG. 4a may have any of the characteristics described herein with reference to the corresponding components in FIG. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b. Specifically, the design characteristics of the radome 400, structural component 420, first low dielectric layer 422, first fiber reinforced dielectric layer 421, second low dielectric layer 424, inner tunable layer component 410, first inner tunable layer 411, second inner tunable layer 412, a component of the first outer custom layer 430, shown in FIG. 4a may have any of the relevant characteristics described herein in relation to the radome structure 300 (301) (200) (201) (100) (101), structural component 320 (220) (120), first low dielectric constant layer 322 (222) (122), first fiber reinforced dielectric layer 321 (221) (121), second low dielectric layer 324, internal tunable layer component 310 (210) (110), first inner tunable layer 311 (211) ( 111), the first outer custom layer component 330 (230) (130) and the first outer custom layer 331 (231) (131) shown in FIG. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b respectively.

For purposes of further illustration, FIG. 5a illustrates the design of a radome 500 according to an alternative embodiment described herein. According to some embodiments and as shown in FIG. 5a, the radome structure 500 may include a structural component 520, an inner tunable layer component 510 underlying the structural component 520, and an outer tunable layer component 530 overlying the structural component 520. According to some embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 5a, the structural component 520 may include a first low dielectric constant layer 522, a first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 521 covering the first low dielectric constant layer 522, and a second low dielectric constant layer 524 covering the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 521. a second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 523 covering a second low-dielectric constant layer 524, and a third low-dielectric constant layer 526 covering a second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 524. The first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 521 may include a first fiber-reinforced polymer and a second fiber-reinforced polymer. dielectric layer 523 may include a fourth fiber-reinforced polymer. According to still other embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 5a, the inner tunable layer component 510 may include a first inner tunable layer 511, which may include a second fiber-reinforced polymer. According to still other embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 5a, outer tunable layer component 530 may include a first outer tunable layer 531, which may include a third fiber-reinforced polymer.

It should be appreciated that the structure of the fairing 500 and all components described with reference to the design of the fairing 500, as shown in FIG. 5a may have any of the characteristics described herein with reference to the corresponding components in FIG. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b, Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b. Specifically, the design characteristics of the radome 500, structural component 520, first low dielectric layer 522, first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 521, second low-dielectric layer 524, second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 523, inner tunable layer component 510, first inner custom layer 511, second inner custom layer 512, components of the first outer custom layer 530, shown in FIG. 5a may have any of the relevant characteristics described herein in relation to the radome structure 400 (400) (300) (301) (200) (201) (100) (101), structural component 420 (320) (220) ( 120), first low dielectric constant layer 422 (322) (222) (122), first fiber reinforced dielectric layer 421 (321) (221) (121), second low dielectric constant layer 424 (324), internal tunable component layer 410 (310) (210) (110), a first inner custom layer 411 (311) (211) (111), a component of the first outer custom layer 430 (330) (230) (130), and a first outer custom layer 431 (331 ) (231) (131) shown in FIG. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b, Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b respectively.

With respect to the third low dielectric constant layer 526 of the structural component 520, in some embodiments, the third low dielectric constant layer 526 may include a low dielectric constant material.

In certain embodiments, the low dielectric constant material of the third low dielectric constant layer 526 may have a certain dielectric constant. For example, the dielectric constant of the low dielectric constant material may be at least about 1.1, such as at least about 1.2, or at least about 1.3, or at least about 1.4, or at least about 1.5 , or not less than about 1.6, or not less than about 1.7. or at least about 1.8, or at least about 1.9, or at least about 2.0, or at least about 2.1, or at least about 2.2, or at least about 2.3, or even at least approximately 2.4. In yet another embodiment, the dielectric constant of the low dielectric constant material may be no more than about 5.0, such as no more than about 4.9, or no more than about 4.8, or no more than about 4.7, or no more than about 4.7. 4.6, or not more than about 4.5, or not more than about 4.4, or not more than about 4.3, or not more than about 4.2, or not more than about 4.1, or not more than about 4.0, or not more than about 3.9, or not more than about 3.8, or not more than about 3.7, or not more than about 3.6, or not more than about 3.5, or not more than about 3.4, or not more than about 3.3, or not more than about 3.2, or no more than about 3.1, or no more than about 3.0, or no more than about 2.9, or no more than about 2.8, or no more than about 2.7, or even no more than about 2.6 . It should be appreciated that the dielectric constant of a low dielectric constant material may range between any of the values stated above. It should also be appreciated that the dielectric constant of a low dielectric constant material can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

In certain embodiments, the third low dielectric constant layer 526 may have a specific dielectric constant. For example, the dielectric constant of the third low dielectric constant layer 526 may be at least about 1.1, such as at least about 1.2, or at least about 1.3, or at least about 1.4, or at least about 1 .5, or at least about 1.6, or at least about 1.7, or at least about 1.8, or at least about 1.9, or at least about 2.0, or at least about 2.1 , or at least about 2.2, or at least about 2.3, or even at least about 2.4. In yet another embodiment, the dielectric constant of the third low dielectric constant layer 526 may be no more than about 5.0, such as no more than about 4.9, or no more than about 4.8, or no more than about 4.7, or no more than about 4.6, or no more than about 4.5, or no more than about 4.4, or no more than about 4.3, or no more than about 4.2, or no more than about 4.1, or no more than about 4.0, or not more than about 3.9, or not more than about 3.8, or not more than about 3.7, or not more than about 3.6, or not more than about 3.5, or not more than about 3, 4, or not more than about 3.3, or not more than about 3.2, or not more than about 3.1, or not more than about 3.0, or not more than about 2.9, or not more than about 2.8, or no more than about 2.7, or even no more than about 2.6. It should be appreciated that the dielectric constant of the third low dielectric constant layer 526 may range between any of the values noted above. It should also be appreciated that the dielectric constant of the third low dielectric constant layer 526 may be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

In certain embodiments, the low dielectric constant material of the third low dielectric constant layer 526 may include a polymer foam. In still other embodiments, the low dielectric constant material of the third low dielectric constant layer 526 may include syntactic foam. In yet other embodiments, the low dielectric constant material of the third low dielectric constant layer 526 may include an HMPP reinforced polymer. In certain embodiments, the low dielectric constant material of the third low dielectric constant layer 526 may consist essentially of a polymer foam. In still other embodiments, the low dielectric constant material of the third low dielectric constant layer 526 may consist essentially of syntactic foam. In yet other embodiments, the low dielectric constant material of the third low dielectric constant layer 526 may consist essentially of an HMPP reinforced polymer.

In certain embodiments, the third low dielectric constant layer 526 may include a polymer foam. In yet other embodiments, the third low dielectric constant layer 526 may include syntactic foam. In still other embodiments, the third low dielectric constant layer 526 may include an HMPP reinforced polymer. In certain embodiments, the third low dielectric constant layer 526 may consist essentially of a polymer foam. In yet other embodiments, the third low dielectric constant layer 526 may be composed of substantially syntactic foam. In still other embodiments, the third low dielectric constant layer 526 may consist essentially of an HMPP reinforced polymer.

For purposes of further illustration, FIG. 5b includes an illustration of the design of the fairing 501 according to yet another alternative embodiment described herein. According to some embodiments and as shown in FIG. 5b, the radome structure 501 may include a structural component 520, an inner tunable layer component 510 underlying the structural component 520, and an outer tunable layer component 530 overlying the structural component 520. According to some embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 5a, the structural component 520 may include a first low dielectric constant layer 522, a first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 521 covering the first low dielectric constant layer 522, and a second low dielectric constant layer 524 covering the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 521. a second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 523 covering the second low dielectric constant layer 524, and a third low dielectric constant layer 526 covering the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 524. According to still other embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 5b, the inner tunable layer component 510 may include a first inner tunable layer 511 and a second inner tunable layer 512. The first inner tunable layer 511 may include a second fiber-reinforced polymer, and the second inner tunable layer 512 may include a layer of polymer foam. According to still other embodiments and as also shown in FIG. 5b, the outer tunable layer component 530 may include a first outer tunable layer 531, which may include a third fiber-reinforced polymer.

It will be appreciated that the structure of the fairing 501 and all components described with reference to the structure of the fairing 501, as shown in FIG. 5b may have any of the characteristics described herein with reference to the corresponding components in FIG. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b, Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b and Fig. 5a. Specifically, the design characteristics of the radome 500, structural component 520, first low dielectric layer 522, first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 521, second low-dielectric layer 524, second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer 523, inner tunable layer component 510, first inner custom layer 511, second inner custom layer 512, components of the first outer custom layer 530, shown in FIG. 5a may have any of the relevant characteristics described herein in relation to the radome structure 500 (400) (300) (301) (200) (201) (100) (101), structural component 520 (420) (320) ( 220) (120), first layer 522 (422) (322) (222) (122) low dielectric constant, first fiber reinforced dielectric layer 521 (421) (321) (221) (121), second layer 524 (424 ) (324) low dielectric constant, inner tunable layer component 410 (310) (210) (110), first inner tunable layer 511 (411) (311) (211) (111), first outer tunable layer component 530 (430 ) (330) (230) (130) and the first outer custom layer 531 (431) (331) (231) (131) shown in FIG. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b, Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b and Fig. 5a, respectively.

It should be appreciated that, in other specific embodiments, any radome structure described herein (i.e., radome structures 100, 101, 200, 201, 300, 301, 400, 401, 500, or 501) may alternatively comprise an intermediate tunable layer located between any two of the fiber-reinforced layers. In still other embodiments, any radome structure described herein (i.e., radome structures 100, 101, 200, 201, 300, 301, 400, 401, 500, or 501) may alternatively comprise an intermediate custom layer located between each of the fiber-reinforced layers in the fairing structure.

In some embodiments, the intermediate tunable layer in the fairing structure may comprise a polymeric resinous material. In still other embodiments, the intermediate adjustable layer in the fairing structure may comprise syntactic foam.

In still other embodiments, the intermediate tunable layer in the fairing structure may have a specific density. For example, the intermediate tunable layer in the radome structure may have a density of at least about 300 kg/m ³ , such as at least about 310 kg/m ³ , or at least about 320 kg/m ³ , or at least about 330 kg/m ³ , or not less than approximately 340 kg/m ³ , or not less than approximately 350 kg/m ³ , or not less than approximately 360 kg/m ³ , or not less than approximately 370 kg/m ³ , or not less than approximately 380 kg/m ³ , or not less than approximately 390 kg/m ³ , or not less than approximately 400 kg/m ³ , or not less than approximately 410 kg/m ³ , or not less than approximately 420 kg/m ³ , or not less than approximately 430 kg/m ³ , or not less than approximately 440 kg/m ³ , or not less than approximately 450 kg/m ³ , or not less than approximately 460 kg/m ³ , or not less than approximately 470 kg/m ³ , or not less than approximately 480 kg/m ³ , or not less than about 490 kg/m ³ , or even not less than about 500 kg/m ³ . In still other embodiments, the intermediate tunable layer in the radome structure may have a density of no more than about 1000 kg/m ³ , such as no more than about 990 kg/m ³ , or no more than about 980 kg/m ³ , or no more less than about 970 kg/m ³ , or no more than about 960 kg/m ³ , or no more than about 950 kg/m ³ , or no more than about 940 kg/m ³ , or no more than about 930 kg/m 3 ³ , or not more than about 920 kg/ ^m3 , or not more than about 910 kg/ ^m3 , or not more than about 900 kg/ ^m3 , or not more than about 890 kg/ ^m3 , or not more than about 880 kg/ ^m3 , or not more than about 870 kg/ ^m3 , or not more than about 860 kg/ ^m3 , or not more than about 850 kg/ ^m3 , or not more than about 840 kg/ ^m3 , or no more than about 830 kg/m ³ , or no more than about 820 kg/m ³ , or no more than about 810 kg/m ³ , or even no more than about 800 kg/m ³ . It should be appreciated that the density of the intermediate tunable layer in the fairing structure may range between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above. It should also be appreciated that the intermediate tunable layer in the radome structure can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

In still other embodiments, the intermediate tunable layer in the radome structure may have a specific dielectric constant. For example, the intermediate tunable layer in the radome structure may have a dielectric constant of at least about 1.00, such as at least about 1.05, or at least about 1.10, or at least about 1.15, or at least about 1. 20, or at least about 1.25, or at least about 1.30, or at least about 1.35, or at least about 1.40, or at least about 1.45, or at least about 1.50, or not less than about 1.55, or not less than about 1.6, or not less than about 1.65, or not less than about 1.7, or not less than about 1.75, or not less than about 1.8, or not less than about 1.85, or not less than about 1.9, or not less than about 1.95, or not less than about 2.0, or not less than about 2.05, or not less than about 2.1, or not less than about 2.15, or even at least approximately 2.2. In still other embodiments, the intermediate tunable layer in the radome structure may have a dielectric constant of no more than about 3.0, or no more than about 2.95, or no more than about 2.9, or no more than about 2.85, or no more than about 2.80, or no more than about 2.75, or no more than about 2.7, or no more than about 2.65, or no more than about 2.6, or no more than about 2.55, or even no more than about 2.5. It should be appreciated that the dielectric constant of the intermediate tunable layer in the radome structure may range between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above. It should also be appreciated that the dielectric constant of the intermediate tunable layer in the radome structure may be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

In still other embodiments, the intermediate tunable layer in the fairing structure may have a specific thickness. For example, the intermediate tunable layer in the radome structure may have a thickness of at least about 0.1 mm, such as at least about 0.3 mm, or at least about 0.5 mm, or at least about 0.7 mm, or at least about 1.0 mm, or at least about 1.3 mm, or at least about 1.5 mm, or at least about 1.7 mm, or at least about 2.0 mm, or at least about 2.5 mm , or not less than approximately 3.0 mm. In yet other embodiments, the intermediate tunable layer in the radome structure may have a thickness of no more than about 6.5 mm, such as no more than about 6.25 mm, or no more than about 6.0 mm, or no more than about 5 mm. .75 mm, or not more than about 5.5 mm, or not more than about 5.25 mm, or not more than about 5.0 mm, or not more than about 4.75 mm, or not more than about 4 .5 mm, or no more than about 4.25 mm, or no more than about 4.0 mm, or no more than about 3.75 mm, or even no more than about 3.5 mm. It should be appreciated that the thickness of the intermediate tunable layer in the fairing structure may range between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above. It should also be appreciated that the intermediate tunable layer in the radome structure can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values specified above.

It should be appreciated that a radome with a structure formed according to the embodiments described herein has been simulated and shown to improve radome performance by up to 0.5 dB or more when copolarized in the K- and Ka-band frequency bands. compared to comparative fairing designs. In addition, a radome with a structure formed according to the embodiments described herein has been simulated and shown to improve radome performance by up to 10 dB or more in cross-polarization in the K- and Ka-band frequency ranges compared to comparative fairing designs.

Many different aspects and embodiments are possible. Some of these aspects and embodiments are described herein. After reading this description, those skilled in the art will understand that these aspects and embodiments are illustrative only and do not limit the scope of the present invention. The embodiments may correspond to any one or more embodiments of the invention listed below.

Embodiment 1. A radome structure comprising: a structural component, the structural component comprising a first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer comprising a first fiber-reinforced polymer; an inner tunable layer component underlying the structural component, wherein the inner tunable layer component comprises a first inner tunable layer comprising a second fiber-reinforced polymer; and an outer tuning layer component covering the structural component, wherein the outer tuning layer component comprises a first outer tuning layer comprising a third fiber-reinforced polymer.

Embodiment 2: The radome structure of Embodiment 1, wherein the first fiber-reinforced polymer comprises a first polymer component and a first fiber component.

Embodiment 3: The radome structure of Embodiment 2, wherein the first polymer component comprises an epoxy resin, a cyanate ester resin, or combinations thereof.

Embodiment 4. The radome structure as in any one of Embodiments 2 and 3, wherein the first fiber component comprises low dielectric quartz fabric, high modulus polypropylene (HMPP) fabric, electrical fiberglass (E glass), structural fiberglass (S glass), basalt fabric or unidirectional low dielectric quartz fabric tapes, unidirectional electrical glass fabric tapes (E glass), unidirectional structural glass fabric tapes (S glass), unidirectional basalt fabric tapes, combinations thereof, or multi-component hybrid weaves thereof.

Embodiment 5: The radome structure of Embodiment 1, wherein the second fiber-reinforced polymer comprises a second polymer component and a second fiber component.

Embodiment 6: The radome structure of Embodiment 5, wherein the second polymer component comprises an epoxy resin, a cyanate ester resin, or combinations thereof.

Embodiment 7. The radome structure as in any one of Embodiments 5 and 6, wherein the second fiber component comprises a high modulus polypropylene (HMPP) fabric, a unidirectional HMPP tape, an HMPP hybrid weave with at least E glass, S glass, basalt or quartz fibers , or combinations thereof.

Embodiment 8: The radome structure of Embodiment 1, wherein the third fiber-reinforced polymer comprises a third polymer component and a third fiber component.

Embodiment 9. The radome structure of Embodiment 8, wherein the third polymer component comprises an epoxy resin, a cyanate ester resin, or combinations thereof.

Embodiment 10. The radome structure of any one of Embodiments 8 and 9, wherein the third fiber component comprises a high modulus polypropylene (HMPP) fabric, a unidirectional HMPP tape, an HMPP hybrid weave with at least E glass, S glass, basalt or quartz fibers , or combinations thereof.

Embodiment 11: The radome structure of Embodiment 1, wherein the inner tunable layer component has a thickness of at least about 0.5 mm.

Embodiment 12: The radome structure of Embodiment 1, wherein the inner tunable layer component has a thickness of no more than about 4.0 mm.

Embodiment 13: The radome structure of Embodiment 1, wherein the first inner tunable layer has a thickness of at least about 0.5 mm.

Embodiment 14: The radome structure of Embodiment 1, wherein the first inner tunable layer has a thickness of no more than about 4.0 mm.

Embodiment 15: The radome structure of any one of Embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, wherein the inner custom layer component further comprises a second inner custom layer underlying the first internal custom layer. , wherein the second inner customizable layer comprises a layer of foamed polymer.

Embodiment 16: The radome structure of Embodiment 15, wherein the second inner tunable layer has a thickness of at least about 0.5 mm.

Embodiment 17: The radome structure of Embodiment 1, wherein the second inner adjustable layer has a thickness of no more than about 4.0 mm.

Embodiment 18: The radome structure of Embodiment 15, wherein the polymer foam layer has a dielectric constant of at least about 1.05.

Embodiment 19. The radome structure of any one of Embodiments 15 and 18, wherein the polymer foam layer has a dielectric constant of no more than about 1.4.

Embodiment 20. The fairing structure of Embodiment 15, wherein the polymer foam layer has a density of at least about 2 pounds per cubic foot.

Embodiment 21. The fairing structure of any one of embodiments 15 and 18, wherein the polymer foam layer has a density of no more than about 10 pounds per cubic foot.

Embodiment 22: The radome structure of Embodiment 15, wherein the polymer foam layer has a thickness of at least about 0.5 mm.

Embodiment 23. The radome structure of any one of Embodiments 15 and 18, wherein the polymer foam layer has a thickness of no more than about 4.0 mm.

Embodiment 24: The radome structure of Embodiment 1, wherein the structural component further comprises: a first low dielectric constant layer covering the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer; and a second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer covering the first low dielectric constant layer, wherein the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer contains a fourth fiber-reinforced polymer.

Embodiment 25: The radome structure of Embodiment 24, wherein the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer comprises a high dielectric constant material.

Embodiment 26: The radome structure of Embodiment 25, wherein the high dielectric constant material has a dielectric constant of at least about 2.5.

Embodiment 27: The radome structure of Embodiment 25, wherein the high dielectric constant material has a dielectric constant of no more than about 8.0.

Embodiment 28: The radome structure of Embodiment 25, wherein the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer has a dielectric constant of at least about 2.5.

Embodiment 29: The radome structure of Embodiment 25, wherein the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer has a dielectric constant of no more than about 8.0.

Embodiment 30. The radome structure of Embodiment 25, wherein the first fiber-reinforced polymer comprises a first polymer component and a first fiber component.

Embodiment 31. The radome structure of Embodiment 30, wherein the first polymer component comprises an epoxy resin, a cyanate ester resin, or combinations thereof.

Embodiment 32. The radome structure of Embodiment 30, wherein the first fiber component comprises quartz, E glass, S glass, HPPP or basalt fibers, hybrid weaves of one or more materials, or combinations thereof.

Embodiment 33: The radome structure of Embodiment 24, wherein the first low dielectric constant layer comprises a low dielectric constant material.

Embodiment 34. The radome structure of Embodiment 33, wherein the low dielectric constant material of the first low dielectric constant layer has a dielectric constant of at least about 1.1.

Embodiment 35. The radome structure of Embodiment 33, wherein the low dielectric constant material of the first low dielectric constant layer has a dielectric constant of no more than about 5.0.

Embodiment 36: The radome structure of Embodiment 33, wherein the first low dielectric constant layer has a dielectric constant of at least about 1.1.

Embodiment 37: The radome structure of Embodiment 33, wherein the first low dielectric constant layer has a dielectric constant of no more than about 5.0.

Embodiment 38. The radome structure of Embodiment 24, wherein the first low dielectric constant layer comprises a polymer foam, a synthetic foam, or an HMPP reinforced polymer.

Embodiment 39: The radome structure of Embodiment 24, wherein the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer comprises a high dielectric constant material.

Embodiment 40: The radome structure of Embodiment 39, wherein the high dielectric constant material has a dielectric constant of at least about 2.5.

Embodiment 41: The radome structure of Embodiment 39, wherein the high dielectric constant material has a dielectric constant of no more than about 8.0.

Embodiment 42: The radome structure of Embodiment 39, wherein the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer has a dielectric constant of at least about 2.5.

Embodiment 43: The radome structure of Embodiment 39, wherein the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer has a dielectric constant of no more than about 8.0.

Embodiment 44: The radome structure of Embodiment 25, wherein the fourth fiber-reinforced polymer comprises a fourth polymer component and a fourth fiber component.

Embodiment 45: The radome structure of Embodiment 44, wherein the fourth polymer component comprises an epoxy resin, a cyanate ester resin, or combinations thereof.

Embodiment 46. The radome structure of Embodiment 44, wherein the fourth fiber component comprises quartz, E glass, S glass, HPPP or basalt fibers, hybrid weaves of one or more materials, or combinations thereof.

Embodiment 47: The radome structure of Embodiment 24, wherein the multilayer component further comprises: a second low dielectric layer covering the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer; and a third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer covering the second low dielectric constant layer, the third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer comprising a fifth fiber-reinforced polymer.

Embodiment 48: The radome structure of Embodiment 47, wherein the second low dielectric constant layer comprises a low dielectric constant material.

Embodiment 49. The radome structure of Embodiment 48, wherein the low dielectric constant material of the second low dielectric constant layer has a dielectric constant of at least about 1.1.

Embodiment 50. The radome structure of Embodiment 48, wherein the low dielectric constant material of the second low dielectric constant layer has a dielectric constant of no more than about 5.0.

Embodiment 51: The radome structure of Embodiment 48, wherein the second low dielectric constant layer has a dielectric constant of at least about 1.1.

Embodiment 52: The radome structure of Embodiment 48, wherein the second low dielectric constant layer has a dielectric constant of no more than about 3.5.

Embodiment 53: The radome structure of Embodiment 47, wherein the second low dielectric constant layer comprises a polymer foam, synthetic foam, or HMPP reinforced polymer.

Embodiment 54: The radome structure of Embodiment 47, wherein the third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer comprises a high dielectric constant material.

Embodiment 55: The radome structure of Embodiment 54, wherein the high dielectric constant material has a dielectric constant of at least about 2.5.

Embodiment 56: The radome structure of Embodiment 54, wherein the high dielectric constant material has a dielectric constant of no more than about 8.0.

Embodiment 57: The radome structure of Embodiment 54, wherein the third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer has a dielectric constant of at least about 2.5.

Embodiment 58: The radome structure of Embodiment 54, wherein the third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer has a dielectric constant of no more than about 8.0.

Embodiment 59. The radome structure of Embodiment 47, wherein the fifth fiber-reinforced polymer comprises a fifth polymer component and a fifth fiber component.

Embodiment 60. The radome structure of Embodiment 59, wherein the fifth polymer component comprises an epoxy resin, a cyanate ester resin, or combinations thereof.

Embodiment 61. The radome structure of Embodiment 59, wherein the fourth fiber component comprises quartz, E glass, S glass, HPPP or basalt fibers, hybrid weaves of one or more materials, or combinations thereof.

Embodiment 62: The radome structure of Embodiment 1, wherein the structural component further comprises: a first low dielectric constant layer underlying the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer; and a second low dielectric constant layer covering the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer.

Embodiment 63: The radome structure of Embodiment 62, wherein the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer comprises a high dielectric constant material.

Embodiment 64. The radome structure of Embodiment 63, wherein the high dielectric constant material has a dielectric constant of at least about 2.5.

Embodiment 65: The radome structure of Embodiment 63, wherein the high dielectric constant material has a dielectric constant of no more than about 8.0.

Embodiment 66. The radome structure of Embodiment 63, wherein the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer has a dielectric constant of at least about 2.5.

Embodiment 67: The radome structure of Embodiment 63, wherein the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer has a dielectric constant of no more than about 8.0.

Embodiment 68. The radome structure of Embodiment 63, wherein the first fiber-reinforced polymer comprises a first polymer component and a first fiber component.

Embodiment 69. The radome structure of Embodiment 63, wherein the first polymer component comprises an epoxy resin, a cyanate ester resin, or combinations thereof.

Embodiment 70. The radome structure of Embodiment 63, wherein the first fiber component comprises quartz, E glass, S glass, HPPP or basalt fibers, hybrid weaves of one or more materials, or combinations thereof.

Embodiment 71: The radome structure of Embodiment 62, wherein the first low dielectric constant layer comprises a low dielectric constant material.

Embodiment 72. The radome structure of Embodiment 71, wherein the low dielectric constant material of the first low dielectric constant layer has a dielectric constant of at least about 1.1.

Embodiment 73. The radome structure of Embodiment 71, wherein the low dielectric constant material of the first low dielectric constant layer has a dielectric constant of no more than about 5.0.

Embodiment 74. The radome structure of Embodiment 71, wherein the first low dielectric constant layer has a dielectric constant of at least about 1.1.

Embodiment 75: The radome structure of Embodiment 71, wherein the first low dielectric constant layer has a dielectric constant of no more than about 3.5.

Embodiment 76. The radome structure of Embodiment 62, wherein the first low dielectric constant layer comprises a polymer foam, a synthetic foam, or an HMPP reinforced polymer.

Embodiment 77: The radome structure of Embodiment 62, wherein the second low dielectric constant layer comprises a low dielectric constant material.

Embodiment 78. The radome structure of Embodiment 77, wherein the low dielectric constant material of the second low dielectric constant layer has a dielectric constant of at least about 1.1.

Embodiment 79. The radome structure of Embodiment 77, wherein the low dielectric constant material of the second low dielectric constant layer has a dielectric constant of no more than about 5.0.

Embodiment 80: The radome structure of Embodiment 77, wherein the second low dielectric constant layer has a dielectric constant of at least about 1.1.

Embodiment 81: The radome structure of Embodiment 77, wherein the second low dielectric constant layer has a dielectric constant of no more than about 3.5.

Embodiment 82: The radome structure of Embodiment 62, wherein the second low dielectric constant layer comprises a polymer foam, a synthetic foam, or an HMPP reinforced polymer.

Embodiment 83: The radome structure of Embodiment 62, wherein the structural component further comprises: a second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer covering a second low dielectric constant layer, wherein the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer comprises a fourth fiber-reinforced polymer; and a third low dielectric constant layer covering the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer.

Embodiment 84: The radome structure of Embodiment 83, wherein the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer comprises a high dielectric constant material.

Embodiment 85. The radome structure of Embodiment 84, wherein the high dielectric constant material has a dielectric constant of at least about 2.5.

Embodiment 86: The radome structure of Embodiment 84, wherein the high dielectric constant material has a dielectric constant of no more than about 8.0.

Embodiment 87: The radome structure of Embodiment 84, wherein the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer has a dielectric constant of at least about 2.5.

Embodiment 88. The radome structure of Embodiment 84, wherein the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer has a dielectric constant of no more than about 8.0.

Embodiment 89. The radome structure of Embodiment 83, wherein the fourth fiber-reinforced polymer comprises a fourth polymer component and a fourth fiber component.

Embodiment 90. The radome structure of Embodiment 89, wherein the fourth polymer component comprises an epoxy resin, a cyanate ester resin, or combinations thereof.

Embodiment 91. The radome structure of Embodiment 89, wherein the fourth fiber component comprises quartz, E glass, S glass, HPPP or basalt fibers, hybrid weaves of one or more materials, or combinations thereof.

Embodiment 92: The radome structure of Embodiment 83, wherein the third low dielectric constant layer comprises a low dielectric constant material.

Embodiment 93. The radome structure of Embodiment 92, wherein the low dielectric constant material of the third low dielectric constant layer has a dielectric constant of at least about 1.1.

Embodiment 94. The radome structure of Embodiment 92, wherein the low dielectric constant material of the third low dielectric constant layer has a dielectric constant of no more than about 5.0.

Embodiment 95: The radome structure of Embodiment 92, wherein the third low dielectric constant layer has a dielectric constant of at least about 1.1.

Embodiment 96: The radome structure of Embodiment 92, wherein the third low dielectric constant layer has a dielectric constant of no more than about 3.5.

Embodiment 97: The radome structure of Embodiment 83, wherein the third low dielectric constant layer comprises a polymer foam, synthetic foam, or HMPP reinforced polymer.

Embodiment 98: Fairing structure of Embodiment 1, wherein the fairing structure further comprises a protective layer covering the multilayer component.

Embodiment 99: Fairing structure of Embodiment 1, wherein the fairing structure further comprises a protective layer covering the multilayer component.

Embodiment 100: The fairing structure of Embodiment 1, wherein the fairing structure has a thickness of at least about 5 mm.

Embodiment 101: The fairing structure of Embodiment 1, wherein the fairing structure has a thickness of at least about 20 mm.

It should be noted that not all of the actions described above in the general description or examples are necessary, that some specific actions may not be required, and that one or more additional actions may be performed in addition to those described above. Also, the order in which the actions are listed is not necessarily the order in which they are performed.

Useful properties, other advantages and solutions to problems have been described above with respect to specific embodiments. However, the stated benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any features that may lead to any benefits, benefits, or solutions should not be construed as critical, necessary, or essential features of any or all of the claims.

The descriptions and illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The description and illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete and exhaustive description of all elements and features of apparatus and systems in which the structures or methods described herein are used. Individual embodiments may also be offered in combination in a single embodiment, and conversely, various features that are described for brevity in the context of a single embodiment may also be offered separately or in any subcombination. In addition, the use of quantities with their numerical ranges covers each and every value within the specified range. Many other embodiments may become apparent to those skilled in the art only after reading this specification. Other embodiments may be used or derived from the present disclosure so as to make structural substitutions, logical substitutions, or other changes without departing from the scope of the disclosure. As a result, this disclosure should be considered illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (19)

1. Fairing structure containing: a structural component, wherein the structural component comprises a first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer comprising a first fiber-reinforced polymer, wherein the second fiber-reinforced polymer comprises a second polymer component and a second fiber component, and the second polymer component comprises an epoxy resin, a cyanate ester resin, or combinations thereof wherein the second fibrous component comprises a high modulus polypropylene (HMPP) fabric, a unidirectional HMPP tape, a HMPP hybrid weave with at least E glass, S glass, basalt or quartz fibers, or combinations thereof; an inner tunable layer component underlying the structural component, wherein the inner tunable layer component comprises a first inner tunable layer comprising a second fiber-reinforced polymer; And an outer tunable layer component covering the structural component, wherein the outer tunable layer component comprises a first outer tunable layer comprising a third fiber-reinforced polymer. 2. The radome structure of claim 1, wherein the first fiber-reinforced polymer comprises a first polymer component and a first fiber component. 3. The fairing structure of claim 2, wherein the first polymer component comprises an epoxy resin, a cyanate ester resin, or combinations thereof. 4. Fairing design according to any one of paragraphs. 2 and 3, wherein the first fibrous component comprises low dielectric constant quartz fabric, high modulus polypropylene (HMPP) fabric, electrical glass fabric (E glass), structural glass fabric (S glass), basalt fabric, or unidirectional low dielectric constant quartz fabric tapes , unidirectional electrical glass fabric tapes (E glass), unidirectional structural glass fabric tapes (S glass), unidirectional basalt fabric tapes, combinations thereof, or multi-component hybrid weaves thereof. 5. The radome structure of claim 1, wherein the third fiber-reinforced polymer comprises a third polymer component and a third fiber component. 6. The fairing structure of claim 5, wherein the third polymer component comprises an epoxy resin, a cyanate ester resin, or combinations thereof. 7. Fairing design according to any one of paragraphs. 5 and 6, wherein the third fiber component comprises a high modulus polypropylene (HMPP) fabric, a unidirectional HMPP tape, a hybrid HMPP weave with at least E glass, S glass, basalt or quartz fibers, or combinations thereof. 8. The fairing structure of claim 1, wherein the inner tunable layer component further comprises a second inner tunable layer underlying the first inner tunable layer, wherein the second inner tunable layer comprises a layer of polymer foam. 9. The radome design of claim 8, wherein the polymer foam layer has a dielectric constant of at least about 1.05. 10. The fairing design according to claim 1, in which the structural component additionally contains: a first low dielectric constant layer covering the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer; And a second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer covering the first low dielectric constant layer, wherein the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer contains a fourth fiber-reinforced polymer. 11. The radome structure of claim 10, wherein the first fiber-reinforced dielectric layer comprises a high dielectric constant material. 12. The fairing design according to claim 11, in which the multilayer component additionally contains: a second low dielectric constant layer covering the second fiber-reinforced dielectric layer; And a third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer covering the second low dielectric constant layer, wherein the third fiber-reinforced dielectric layer comprises a fifth fiber-reinforced polymer.