Abstract: A two reflector microwave antenna has a concave focusing main dish having an integral peripheral flange. An integral radome shell also having a peripheral flange is disposed in confronting relationship to the main dish flange. Mounted over both flanges is a clamping ring to keep the main dish and radome shell in a stress condition of fixed edge shells. A secondary reflector is provided on a central portion of the radome. The concave focusing main dish in one example, defines a paraboloid of revolution. Specific shapes of the main dish and the radome shell are selected to appropriately focus the microwave radiation. A radome portion of a variable thickness of dielectric material of the integral radome shell modify the path of microwave energy compensating for diffraction of induced edge spillover. The stress condition of the shells as maintained by the clamp about the flanges provides a structually rigid antenna substantially void of structural elements.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a composite tape having a foraminous fiberglass core includes the step of treating a continuous strip of foraminous material with adhesion promoting and stiffening material. The treated strip is preheated to a temperature approximately equal to the extruding temperature of two ribbons of flexible vinyl thermoplastic material which are simultaneously formed in a subsequent step and coated under pressure on each side of the heated fiberglass core material through a suitably dimensioned die opening. Application of pressure forces at least portions of the extruded two ribbons into the interstices of the foraminous core material to cause the opposing ribbons to fuse to each other by penetrating and filling the interstices to form a unitary mass and to provide a textured surface or "intaglio" effect which has an appearance which is dimensionally related to the surface finish of the core material.