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Abstract

A metallized mesh fabric construction for use as the individual reflector panels of a radio frequency (RF) deployable parabolic reflector of the type which includes a plurality of panel supporting rib members which, upon deployment, unfurl in a spiral manner from a central hub to form the parabolic reflector surface. The mesh fabric includes silver coated nylon strands and stretch resistant plastic or synthetic strands interwoven in a 'Marquisette' or 'Leno' style weave. The stretch resistant strands of the mesh fabric are oriented along the chordal direction (i.e., transverse to the radial direction of the unfurlable ribs) in order to withstand the tension placed on the mesh fabric during deployment of the reflector and hence maintain the shape and accuracy of the reflector surface and resist creep. The weave has openings sized sufficiently large to minimize the effects of wind load yet sufficiently small to provide good reflective performance of radio frequencies up to and including X-Band frequencies.

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First Claim