General Dynamics [GD] Armament and Technical Products recently delivered its first F-15 wideband nose radome to Boeing [BA] in support of the F-15 Radar Modernization Program (RMP), according to General Dynamics.
The wideband nose radome was delivered under a system development and demonstration (SDD) contract that was awarded in October 2008, General Dynamics added.
The new radome will fly on Air Force F-15Es as part of the RMP upgrade. Benefits of the radome include superior electrical performance over a wide frequency range, low weight, low part count, and the ability to perform in high heat and stress environment, the company said. The radome also includes the installation and integration of an instrument landing system antenna.
“We are pleased to achieve this program milestone on schedule and within budget to support Boeing’s work on the F-15 RMP,” Jim Losse, vice president and general manager of advanced materials for General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products said. “Our team in Marion has built wideband radomes for years, and we are excited to add the F-15 RMP nose radome to our facility and workforce’s capabilities.”
The SDD contract scope includes radome design, material strength and environmental testing, environmental and structural qualification, tool design, fabrication, assembly and repair-methods development. Production and program management is being performed at General Dynamics’ advanced materials facility in Marion, Va. Ten radomes will be built as part of the SDD phase, with deliveries completed in April 2011, the company said.