Kanfit Ltd., a leading producer of hybrid assemblies containing composite and metal components for the aerospace and medical industries, has announced that it has successfully completed a 3 metre long radome (radar dome) prototype for satellite communications applications for flying platforms manufactured in autoclave using quartz epoxy prepreg materials.

Mechanical and physical tests on the prototype were performed at Kanfit’s in-house laboratories prior to its delivery to the customer. The radome prototype is currently undergoing final testing, and once completed, serial production is expected to begin in Q4. Kanfit recently added autoclave and 3D additive manufacturing processes, and is currently developing other technologies, including automated fibre placement (AFP) and robotic filament winding of closed frames to its manufacturing processes.

Shai Fine, general manager of Kanfit said, “Thanks to our experience, we have been able to successfully extend our composite manufacturing capabilities to manufacture radomes in autoclave. This continues our long tradition of radome manufacturing by RTM and wet layup. It was a complicated project with many variables—from design to models and tools to prototype. There were multiple issues that needed to be addressed related to the radome’s physical, mechanical and electrical properties which significantly affect its performance, Together with the customer, we were able to understand and overcome these issues within a short period of time.” (GK)