This is especially significant in harsh weather such as temperature extremes, blowing sand or dirt, salt spray, and freezing rain. Radomes have proven to be very effective when considering life cycle costs. Since the antenna is in a protected environment, maintenance costs are held to a minimum. The structural requirements of the antenna are less stringent, resulting in reduced fabrication and installation costs plus the use of smaller positioning motors. The final advantages of a radome are that a dome structure is aesthetically pleasing.
Radomes are also very effective in concealing the type of equipment inside the dome.
Basic Construction Techniques Rigid radomes are designed using the principles of a geodesic dome. This technique uses straight or circular arc structural elements in tension, arranged in a framework of geometric patterns such as triangles and hexagons. This design results in a structure that provides maximum volume with minimum material, reduces stress and weight, and may be tailored to meet exacting electromagnetic scattering requirements. Each type provides unique operating characteristics and benefits. Although all types may be used in a variety of different applications, the sandwich foam core approach accommodates a temperature compensated environment for electronics or personnel.