The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) has announced a major advancement in missile technology with the successful development of indigenous fused silica radomes. This breakthrough is expected to significantly enhance India's self-reliance in defense manufacturing and bolster its missile capabilities.
Radomes, the protective enclosures for radar antennas, are critical components in missile systems. They play a vital role in ensuring the optimal performance of radar systems by shielding the antenna from environmental factors while allowing electromagnetic waves to pass through with minimal distortion.
Fused silica, a type of glass, is the preferred material for radomes due to its exceptional electromagnetic and mechanical properties, including high transparency to radar frequencies, excellent thermal shock resistance, and structural integrity. However, the production of fused silica radomes is a complex process requiring specialized expertise and technology.
DMRL's achievement lies in mastering the Cold Isostatic Pressing (CIP) technology for manufacturing these radomes indigenously. CIP involves subjecting powdered fused silica to high pressure and temperature to create a dense and uniform material with the desired shape and properties.
DMRL's research focused on optimizing the powder characteristics, binders, sintering reagents, and process parameters to achieve the ideal microstructure and amorphous structure in the final product.
The CIP-sintered silica radomes produced by DMRL exhibit a combination of density, electromagnetic properties, and mechanical strength that make them suitable for demanding missile applications.
These radomes have been successfully integrated with RF seekers and subjected to rigorous performance evaluation tests, demonstrating their compatibility and effectiveness.
To safeguard its intellectual property, DMRL has filed a patent for the CIP technology used in silica radome manufacturing.
