Advanced tactical missiles need higher strength radomes that can withstand higher velocities and temperatures and longer flight durations. Radomes must be stable at temperatures above 1400 ºC and must have a low and steady thermal dielectric constant, low thermal expansion coefficient, high resistance to thermal shock, high stiffness and strength, high chemical stability and a high resistance against moisture. Silicon Nitride, in comparison with other materials used in the fabrication of radomes (e.g., fused Silica, pyroceramics, etc.), enjoys superior properties and it can also be used at flight speeds higher than Mach 7. In this paper, various types of raw materials that are used in the fabrication of radomes have been investigated.
