The effects of rain on microwave landing system antenna radomes

Testing has indicated the sensitivity of the performance of Microwave Landing System antennas to the presence of water on the antenna radomes. Effects include degradation of system accuracy, effective radiated power, and system monitoring. Research has also been conducted in an attempt to find suitable radome materials with water shedding (hydrophobic) properties that would eliminate the problem. Test results and a discussion of candidate radome materials are presented.