Development of the composite RAS (radar absorbing structure) for the X-band frequency range

Abstract Since the EM properties of fiber reinforced polymeric composites can be tailored effectively by adjusting its composition, they are plausible materials for fabricating the radar absorbing structure (RAS) of desired performance. In this study, the composite RAS which has superior load bearing capacity and EM absorption characteristics has been developed by blending the conductive carbon black with the binder matrix of the E-glass/polyester composite, and its EM absorption characteristics has been measured by the free space method in the X-band frequency range (8.2–12.4 GHz). The composite RAS was designed so as to have the optimal performance for the X-band centered at 10 GHz. From the investigation, it was found that the composite RAS of 2.93 mm thickness with the conductive carbon black absorbed more than 90% of incident EM wave throughout the entire X-band frequency range.