Radome Design, RF Analysis and Structural Engineering
Every CCI radome begins with analysis, not assumptions. Before a laminate design is committed to, our team works through the RF and structural requirements specific to your application, ensuring the finished enclosure performs in the conditions it will actually face. This page outlines what that process looks like and the capabilities behind it.
Radomes for Phased Array Antennas
Phased array antennas are becoming increasingly common across defence, satellite communications, radar, and 5G infrastructure. Unlike traditional antennas, phased array systems use electronic beamforming to steer signals instantly without moving parts, delivering faster tracking, higher reliability, and enhanced signal strength. Their low profile also makes them particularly suited to vehicle-mounted applications.
Protecting a phased array antenna requires a radome designed around its geometry. The best solution is typically a flat-topped, rectangular enclosure rather than a conventional dome.
CCI manufactures custom rectangular radomes to the client's specified dimensions and performance requirements. Where the installation environment demands it, a domed top can be incorporated to shed rain and snow. There is no limitation on size, and CCI supports both single-unit and production run requirements.
Rectangular radome with domed top profile, designed for rain and snow shedding.
Custom flat-topped radome manufactured by CCI for a phased array application.
A phased array antenna system of the type CCI manufactures custom enclosures for.
RF Analysis
Before committing to a laminate design, CCI performs a transmission loss analysis to predict how the radome will affect RF signal performance. Using the wall technique, our team models loss in decibels versus frequency and angle of incidence across both parallel and perpendicular antenna polarities.
This analysis is provided as a standard part of the CCI process for clients who have not completed their own RF study and who can supply their operating frequency requirements. It is a meaningful step that many suppliers do not offer, and it gives clients confidence in the design before production begins.
CCI's radome solutions are applicable across the full frequency spectrum, from VHF on the low end through to millimeter wave.
Sample RF analysis output showing transmission loss vs. angle of incidence across multiple frequencies, in both perpendicular and parallel polarities.
Structural Analysis
RF performance is only one side of the design equation. A radome also needs to withstand the physical environment it will be installed in, and CCI addresses this with a rudimentary structural analysis as part of the design process.
Using the client's specified wind load requirements, CCI calculates deflection and safety factors against wind force, providing a clear picture of how the structure will perform under real conditions. This analysis is provided alongside the RF study for clients who supply wind speed requirements at the time of enquiry.
Where a project requires more detailed structural engineering or Professional Engineer stamped drawings, CCI coordinates with contracted P.Eng specialists as a separate, fee-based service. Clients who need that level of documentation will not hit a dead end.
Structural wind load analysis output showing pressure distribution across a radome surface at 150 mph wind speed.
Working with CCI
Every project at CCI begins with a direct conversation. From initial enquiry through to delivery, clients work one on one with our team to ensure requirements are clearly understood at each stage. In an industry where customer service is often automated, CCI's approach is to engage directly, ask the right questions, and provide value-added services like our in-house RF and structural analysis as part of the process.
Single-unit projects are common and fully supported. Because each radome requires at least a base-level mould to be developed, there is inherent investment in that tooling, but it is precisely what enables CCI to deliver precision results at any production quantity. Clients moving from a single prototype to a larger run can expect the same standard throughout.
Documentation available on request:
Certificate of Conformance, certifying the radome was built in accordance with the design drawing
Materials Certificates (must be requested at time of quotation)
Ready to discuss your radome requirements?
Whether you are protecting a phased array system, upgrading legacy infrastructure, or starting a new program, CCI welcomes the opportunity to connect.