With a giant belly pod housing a radar antenna array on a Piper Navajo PA 31, Airborne Technologies has once again proven its competence in developing and producing carbon fibre radomes of all kinds. 
For this project Airborne Technologies partners with the Italian-Dutch company MetaSensing, which is focused on advanced radar technology. On behalf of ESA (European Space Agency), equipment is to be tested before its final use for satellites. The radar antennas are mounted on a stabilizing unit inside the fuselage of the aircraft – compensating motion and simulating the situation in the orbit.

Mr. Meta, Director of MetaSensing says," The installation of a multichannel KU-band and KA- band synthetic aperture radar required experience both in the radar design and manufacturing and in the radome design, installation and certification. Airborne Technologies has been a valid partner for the latter aspects and a motivated and result-driven partner to work with. At MetaSensing, we are already looking forward to working together again for dedicated pods for our airborne surveillance radars."

Both, the required radar transparency of the material for KU- and KA-band and the immense aerodynamic impact on the flight characteristics placed high demands on the design and flight test department. Due to their DOA approval, Airborne Technologies has the capabilities to cover all these steps in-house. 
The phase of functional test flights starts at the beginning of 2022 with a permit to fly, towards the final STC.

The team of Airborne Technologies genuinely wishes you and your families peaceful and relaxing holidays and a healthy and successful start into the New Year!