Fiber reinforced ceramic radomes for next generation missiles

In this phase I SBIR program, Advanced Ceramics Research, Inc. (ACR) proposes the development of low cost non-aqueous ceramic gelcasting slurries for radome applications in advanced tactical missiles. The proposed ceramic materials will have the improvedstrength, toughness and thermal shock capabilities required for this application. Additionally, they have been shown to possess a low and thermally stable dielectric constant, high rain erosion resistance and will be fabricated into radome shapes. ACR willdevelop the processing method for radomes using low-cost processing methods. ACR will also evaluate the infusion of the gelcasting slurries into a fibrous preform. This method is suitable for a number of different applications in propulsion and energyrelated applications for the fabrication of high-strength ceramic composites.