Abstract: A procedure is provided for bringing an incompletely densified cast radome to a desired final or near final shape through the use of one or more conformal tools during a high temperature firing operation. A conformal firing tool is defined in this case as a mandrel or mold made from a high temperature material, such as a graphite composite, that represents the desired shape of the finished radome. The process consists of firing the cast radome body over a mandrel, or inside a mold, or in combination with the two, such that the tools impart a desired dimensionality to the cast part as it densities and flows at high temperature.

Abstract: A radome is fabricated by mixing a mass of ceramic powders, a dispersant chemical, a prepolymer material, and a solvent together to form a casting mixture, which is then cast into a mold having the shape of a radome. The prepolymer material in the casting mixture is cured, and the casting mixture is dried. The molded article is heated to a burnout temperature sufficiently high to vaporize the prepolymer material and the dispersant chemical, and thereafter the molded article is heated to a sintering temperature sufficiently high to sinter the ceramic particles.