Short answer. A radome protects an antenna or radar from weather while letting radio waves pass. Fibreglass is the standard material because it is radio-transparent, strong and weatherproof. Define the frequency band, size, wind and ice load, and mounting; the wall thickness and layup are then designed to the frequency.
| Input | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Frequency band | Wall thickness and layup are tuned to keep signal loss low at that band |
| Size and shape | Dome, cylinder or flat panel; determines the mould |
| Wind, ice and snow | Structural thickness and stiffening |
| Mounting | Flange, bolt pattern, drainage and cable entry |
| Environment | UV, salt, temperature; resin and gelcoat choice |
| Finish | Colour, paint (RF-safe), logo, UV protection |
Typical uses
- 5G and telecom base stations and small cells;
- marine and weather radar;
- satellite and ground-station antennas;
- defence and surveillance systems (subject to the customer’s specifications).
Design notes
- Avoid metal fittings and metallic paint in the beam path.
- Specify the allowed signal loss at the working frequency and ask for test evidence or a test method.
- Moulded shells are made in an open mould or by infusion; flat panels can be pultruded or laminated.
Material basics: what FRP is. For a custom item send the antenna drawing and frequency: what we need to quote.
Testing and common mistakes
- Measure the antenna with and without the radome (insertion loss and reflection) at the working frequencies.
- Common mistakes: metallic paint or fittings in the beam, a wall thickness that is not tuned to the frequency, poor drainage that traps water, and no UV protection.
- Specify test method and acceptance limits in the order, and ask for a sample or a test report on a similar radome.
- Check mounting: gaskets, drain holes and cable entry that keep water out.
Frequently asked questions
Can a radome be painted?
Yes, but use paint approved for RF use; metallic or carbon-loaded paint blocks signals.
Do I need a different radome for each frequency band?
The wall design depends on the band, so state all bands the antenna uses.
Send us your requirement
Guangdong Haikuo Composite Materials Co., Ltd. (Huizhou, Guangdong) designs pultrusion moulds in-house and produces custom FRP profiles. Send a drawing, a sample or just the application and the environment, and we will tell you what is feasible.
Email: helena@frphk.cn | Phone: +86 189 5198 8522