What Is a Radome?
Radomes are protective covers used for radio wave devices such as radars and communication equipment. They are commonly seen on aircraft, ships, and at meteorological observation facilities, where they safeguard the equipment from environmental factors like wind, rain, seawater, and sunlight. Constructed from materials transparent to radio waves, radomes ensure minimal interference with the detection capabilities of the internal equipment.
On aircraft, radomes are typically installed at the nose to cover the radar antenna. This placement not only protects the radar equipment but also reduces air resistance for the aircraft. On ships, radomes are essential for protecting communication and navigation equipment, with their design focusing on resistance to seawater and wind.
Constructed from durable yet lightweight materials such as glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) or special synthetic resins, radomes offer high durability without adding significant weight to the equipment they protect.