L-3 ESSCO launches latest MSF protective structure

LEADING global manufacturer and installer of ground-based radomes L-3 ESSCO has introduced the Durashed Radome^TM, the latest innovation in Metal Space Frame (MSF) protective structures.

 

 

Developed in exclusive arrangement with DSM Dyneema, the Durashed Radome offers maximum transparency and protection over a broad band of frequencies to provide greater range, higher accuracy and sensitivity, and more consistent performance. It boosts increased structural integrity with its lighter yet 50% stronger membrane and can withstand up to 250 mph wind speeds and all forms of precipitation. 

 

The solution incorporates the Dyneema® Crystal Technology, the patent-pending newest innovation in ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) material that is exceptionally hydrophobic and is 50% stronger than standard skins. It keeps the elements outside to boosts the structural integrity to the radome and protect sensitive equipment. Being nearly transparent to microwaves, it enables military, civil, and telecom organizations to realize the full potential of their advanced antenna, radar, radio astronomy, or communications systems.

 

The Durashed Radome’s high level of hydrophobicity, with a water bead contact angle with the surface greater than 100 degrees, allows instant shedding of water critical at certain operating frequency bands. Hydrophobicity is critical in achieving RF transparency in wet environments. L-3 ESSCO’s new solution’s inherent hydrophobic properties eliminates the need for regular maintenance typical with products with a resin-based coating that must be reapplied every few years for maximum effectiveness.  

 

L-3 ESSCO’s Durashed Radome, which will be available beginning June, has an extremely low (0.004) loss tangent to increase RF transparency. Its membrane can be easily sized to fit all existing L-3 ESSCO MSF panel sizes and truncations. It promises reduced manufacturing cycle times and maintenance requirements, meaning orders can be delivered in two-thirds the time of conventional products and costly downtime and lower lifetime costs are reduced.

 

The solution comes with the industry’s only 10-year limited warranty when installed by factory-trained L-3 ESSCO personnel.

 

L-3 ESSCO president Thomas Casale said the company is focused on implementing innovations that deliver superior solutions to customers. 

 

“Over the next few months, L-3 ESSCO will introduce a new generation of MSF radomes by rolling out a series of advances designed to deliver more value and respond to our customers’ evolving requirements. The first enhancement is our exclusive Durashed Radome with Dyneema Crystal Technology. Extensive independent testing of this new solution in extreme conditions has demonstrated revolutionary safety and performance increases, and we anticipate it will become the new go-to standard for the industry.”

 

Danielle Petra, new business development manager at DSM Dyneema, said: “We are very excited to be working together with a dynamic company like L-3 ESSCO on this groundbreaking development. Our two companies share a spirit of innovation, and together, we have been able to extend the envelope of what can be done with Dyneema fiber.”