Astronics Unveils AeroShield, a Low Drag Radome and Composite Adapter Plate
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A lively crowd gathered around Astronics Armstrong Aerospace’s booth at APEX EXPO yesterday waiting for news of the aerospace company’s latest product. The big reveal was a shiny colbalt blue radome – an aerodynamic teardrop shaped antenna cover.
Dennis Ferguson, president, Astronics Armstrong Aerospace said the cover has 70 percent less drag when compared to its predecessor, helping airlines reduce fuel costs. Additionally, the radome, which consists of a quartz layer, allows Ku-band satellite waves to travel while protecting the antenna from bird collisions, making it FAA bird strike compliant.
“It’s less engineering up front and it’s less modification during the installation.” – Shawn Raybell, Astronics Armstrong Aerospace
The adapter plate, made of a carbon fibre composite material, is 80 percent lighter than aluminum adapter plates. Its ARINC 791-compliant design will make installations and future retrofits simpler. “It’s less engineering up front and it’s less modification during the installation,” says Shawn Raybell, vice-president, Sales and Marketing, Astronics Armstrong Aerospace