Aerodynamic heating effects on radome boresight errors

A three part study was performed to analytically define an aerodynamically heated radome for supersonic homing missile applications. First, the radome was mathematically modeled and a thermal analysis was performed to define the hot radome electrical properties and its wall dimensions. Second, analyses were performed to define boresight error vs. look angle in the E and H planes for both the room temperature and hot radome. Finally, missile dynamic performance predictions were made, with consideration of the effect of hot radome boresight errors. The results of this study agree well with measured acceleration command data from a flight test.