ROCK WEST COMPOSITES, INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: Submarine masts include optical sensors that provide the crew hemispherical viewing capabi

Description

Submarine masts include optical sensors that provide the crew hemispherical viewing capability at the surface. There may be multiple optical sensors distributed circumferentially around the mast. These masts can include treatments to reduce their radar cross section (RCS). The optical windows for the sensors introduce facets and other reflecting features to the cylindrical masts which in turn cause significant spikes in the RCS of the mast when viewed from angles near normal to the each of the windows. We propose a novel method to reduce the RCS spikes caused by the optical sensors using existing absorbers treatments and common materials without requiring layered coatings to the optics aperture itself. The treatment concept holds strong promise that it will not degrade the performance of the optics unacceptably. Once proven for submarine optical apertures, this treatment can be adapted to electro-optic apertures on other platforms such as aircraft, ships and ground vehicles.