PRODUCTS: Why ESSCO Radomes?

ESSCO is the largest and oldest ground-based radome company in the world. Since our founding in 1961, we have installed more than 4,000 systems in more than 80 countries. If you're looking to invest in a radome, ESSCO is the name you should trust. Here's why:

Range of radome offerings. ESSCO offers a complete range of rigid radome types, including sandwich, space frame, solid laminate and dielectric. So only ESSCO can make a truly objective recommendation on which radome best fits your needs and budget based on your structural, mechanical, environmental and electromagnetic requirements. For more information, see our Radome Selector Guide or contact us at info.essco@l-3com.com.

Design expertise. Our full staff of mechanical, structural, electromagnetic and manufacturing engineers work with quality assurance and field service technicians to ensure the design of the radome meets your needs and that the product we build, install and maintain complies completely with your specification.

Materials and process. When building our radomes, we use materials and processes that promote close dimensional tolerances and dielectric properties that are consistent with those assumed in the original electromagnetic and structural analysis. Instead of a "wet lay-up process," which uses dry fiberglass cloths and the addition of resins and hardeners on the shop floor, we exclusively use a variety of preimpregnated materials that must be processed under both pressure (either vacuum bag or autoclave) and high temperatures. These "prepregs" offer much better control and consistency of both resin content and thickness, helping to manufacture a radome consistent with the original design. If metals are used, we carefully consider the prevention of corrosion.

Unique electromagnetic capabilities. Over the past four decades, ESSCO has developed unique in-house electromagnetic design, analysis and testing capabilities using proprietary software. We also maintain an indoor Induced Field Ration (IFR) test facility capable of measuring radome transmission loss to 0.1 dB, a 2,000-ft. (609.5m) ground range for antenna/feed evaluation and testing, and trial assembly and testing areas for large radomes and antennas. Our predictions of electromagnetic performance have proven to have a high correlation with results measured in the field, leaving no surprises once the system is installed.

A total, integrated approach. Our in-house mechanical, structural and electromagnetic design experts view products and services from a total systems perspective. Meanwhile, our manufacturing, quality and installation support departments foster feedback throughout the product lifecycle. Taking this integrated approach to radomes and high-precision antenna systems ensures consistent, accurate performance and low operating and maintenance costs over the system's life.