RADAR - Phased Array

 Samson, the large phased array radar on the Type 45 Daring Class Destroyers, could only be achieved with a carbon composite main structure due to the stringent mass constraint at this highest position on the ship.  Elston Engineering Services needed to derive typical design conditions for vibration from an early Finite Element model of the main mast, before using the results to guide the structural design of the main housing.

Samson Finite Element Model created by Elston Engineering Services

 

The housing is a 4.8 meter diameter single piece carbon composite structure, mounted on a large slew bearing and mounting the two phased arrays and the radar transmit and receive electronics and their cooling systems.  EES was responsible for the structural integrity of the housing and the large radomes protecting the arrays