From Iron Dome to Nano-Technology

Naum Naveh, Rafael Ltd./Shenkar College of Engineering and Design, Haifa/Ramat Gan, Israel

Rafael develops and manufactures advanced defense systems based on state of the art technologies. ‘Iron Dome’ is a leading example. These systems include the development and production of end parts and structures which can potentially benefit from nanotechnology and advanced nanomaterials like carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and others. CNTs exhibit extremely high mechanical properties, and have been studied towards their incorporation in composite materials and adhesives. Outstanding mechanical behavior coupled with low weight may lead to the next generation of components for satellites, airborne structures and armor. Other functionalities in the nanomaterial, such as electrical conductivity, are being explored for electro-optical and sensing applications.