Ceramic Radome Technology

Why in news?

• Carborundum Universal Limited (CUMI), a private sector pioneer in material science signed a “Licensing Agreement for Technology Transfer” with the Defence Research and Develop­ment Organisation (DRDO) for manufacturing ceramic radomes used in aerospace and missile systems.

About Ceramic Radome Technology:

• Ceramic radome technology is considered state of the art missile technology the world over.
• To withstand high temperature during a missile’s journey, radomes located at the tip of a missile protect them. The radomes are made of ceramic materials, hence called ceramic radomes.
• The ceramic radomes are indigenously made by Research Centre Imarat (RCI, Hyderabad), DRDO labs in the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex.

Radome:

• Radomes are structures or enclosures designed to protect antenna and associated electronics from the surrounding environment and elements such as rain, snow, UV light, and strong wind.
• The name "radome" is derived from the words radar and dome.
• The protective shell enhances the pointing accuracy of antenna systems by offsetting negative impacts of UV degradation, wind load, or build-up of snow and ice.
• The key functionality of these structures is to extend the system's ability to perform under adverse conditions while creating a safe working environment.
• Application:
  • Use of radomes applies to a range of industries that require the protection of sensitive equipment, electronic components, and personnel.
  • These include - weather radar, aviation, maritime communications, satellite communications etc.

PRACTICE QUESTION

‘Ceramic Radome Technology’, recently seen in news, is related to:

(a) Missile manufacturing

(b) Drug delivery

(c) Diamond production

(d) Nuclear energy generation

Answer