What is a radome and why is it so important in aeronautics and defence?

August 5th, 2025

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The term ‘radome’ comes from the combination of the words radar and dome. It is a structure that protects antennas, radars, and other communication systems from environmental factors such as rain, wind, ice, or impacts, while allowing electromagnetic signals to pass through its surface without distortion.

Radomes can be found on the nose of commercial and military aircraft, on tactical or strategic drones, and also on land or naval systems.

The importance of radomes in aeronautics and defence

In the aeronautical and military fields, radomes are much more than just a simple cover. Their correct design and operation directly impact:

Radar accuracy: any distortion in the signal can affect target detection or navigation.

Aircraft or drone performance: a poorly designed radome can generate unnecessary aerodynamic drag.

The effectiveness of communication or intelligence systems: radomes protect sensitive equipment that enables interoperability in complex missions.

Furthermore, in defence scenarios, the radome must withstand extreme conditions without compromising the operability of the system it protects. For this reason, the materials and processes used in its manufacture are strategic.

What materials are used in radomes?

One of the great challenges in radome design is balancing mechanical strength with electromagnetic transparency. This requires advanced materials that fulfil several functions at the same time.

The most common materials used in radome manufacturing are:

Fibreglass: widely used for its excellent transparency to electromagnetic waves, strength and reasonable cost. It is used in the form of fabrics, prepregs or laminates.

Epoxy or phenolic resins: which act as a matrix to consolidate the structure and define the thermal and chemical properties of the radome.

Sandwich structures: combining layers of fibreglass with foam or honeycomb cores, which provide rigidity with low weight.
Hybrid materials: in some applications, layers of combined fabrics (glass and aramid, for example) are used to improve impact absorption without losing transparency.

Key properties of radomes

A good radome must meet very specific requirements:

Electromagnetic transparency: it must allow signals to pass through its surface without loss or interference.

Impact resistance: especially in high-speed aircraft or demanding operating environments.

Thermal stability: it must withstand sudden temperature changes without deformation.

Low weight: essential in aeronautics and drones.

Durability against chemical and meteorological agents.

Composite materials technology: an effective solution

At Iberia Compositech, as specialists in composite materials, we are well aware of the properties required for this type of part and the technologies that can be applied to their development, from precision moulding to autoclave curing.

Whether in research, development or industrial collaboration, radomes are an application where knowledge of composites makes all the difference.

Would you like to learn more about advanced materials for technical applications?
Contact us and we will help you develop your next composite solution.