Counter-UAS systems protect military assets, critical infrastructure, and civilian populations from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and drone swarms. They include electronic warfare (EW) platforms that use high-power microwave (HPM) energy to destroy or disable the electronics in unmanned systems. Examples include the Leonidas product family from Epirus, a U.S. defense contractor.
Whether the manufacturer is Epirus, Raytheon (RTX), Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman, or DroneShield, counter-UAS systems need environmental sealing and EMI shielding for high-power microwave systems and control, communications, and targeting subsystems. Specialty Silicone Products (SSP) supports the mission with EMI silicones, EMI gaskets, and EMI O-rings.
EMI Silicones for Counter-UAS Systems
Counter-UAS systems (C-UAS) generate, channel, and radiate intense electromagnetic fields that can interfere with electronic circuits. EMI shielding protects a system’s own electronics and prevents unintended emissions that could affect nearby systems. By addressing electronic noise or cross-talk, C-UAS manufacturers can comply with military standards for both EMI and EMC.
SSP’s shielding silicones are engineered for high‑frequency EMI, broadband RF energy, and outdoor environments. They include MIL‑DTL‑83528 QPL certified elastomers that are part of the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency’s M83528 Qualified Products List (QPL). Choices include MIL-DTL-83528 Type A, B, C, D, and K materials.
These M83528 QPL certified materials contain silver-coated particles for independently-verified shielding effectiveness across wide frequency ranges. They also provide stable performance under thermal cycling and environmental sealing against dust, moisture, and contaminants. For fuel and solvent resistance, fluorosilicone is used as the base elastomer.
SSP’s EMI elastomers address the needs of counter-UAS systems, which typically operate in outdoor, mobile, high vibration, and high power environments. Plus, our ready-to-fabricate materials are available in lower minimum order quantities (MOQs) and with faster turnaround times than you’ll find elsewhere. Compare them to Parker Chomerics CHO-SEAL and Nolato Jabar products.
EMI Gaskets and EMI O-Rings for Counter-UAS Systems
Counter-UAS platforms contain multiple systems that require EMI shielding and environmental sealing. They require fabricated products such as:
- Enclosure gaskets for RF modules, power electronics, and control systems
- Connector gaskets for high‑density signal and power interfaces
- Waveguide gaskets for sealing and shielding waveguide junctions
- Antenna housing seals for onboard antennas
- Frame gaskets for large access panels and electronics bays
- EMI O-rings for cable interfaces, telemetry modules, and payloads.
SSP uses flash cutting, die cutting, and compression molding to fabricate our materials into ready-to-install products. Because we make our own elastomers and have our own toolroom, we’re able to respond quickly to C-UAS design iterations and can apply adhesives for ease-of-installation. From custom gaskets to M83528 slash sizes, SSP can keep pace with program demands.
In addition to sheets, rolls, and uncured compounds, SSP makes EMI extrusions in various shapes, including solid cords. Depending on the order quantity, we can mold EMI O-rings or cut and bond extruded cords into finished products. Bonded EMI O-rings are less expensive to produce, and SSP joins cut-ends with an silicone electrically conductive adhesive that won’t create a “hard spot.”
Ask SSP for Ready-to-Fabricate Materials and Ready-to-Install Products
Counter‑UAS (C‑UAS) systems are no longer experimental platforms. They’re frontline technologies. SSP makes ready-to-fabricate materials and ready-to-install products that provide the EMI shielding and environmental sealing that C-UAS manufacturers need. To request a quote or discuss your application, contact us.
