Antenna enclosure with a stress-free connection along the length of the radome

An antenna assembly, comprising:

• a tray including first and second ends and first and second parallel edges, said first and second edges including first and second channels along the length of said first and second edges;
• a radome including an interior and an exterior, said interior including first and second protrusions along the length of said radome, said first and second protrusions corresponding to said first and second channels, wherein said radome is connected to said tray by sliding said first and second protrusions within said first and second channels;
• a first end cap located adjacent said first end of said tray, said first end cap being fastened to said tray and said radome;
• and
• a second end cap located adjacent said second end of said tray, said second end cap being fastened only to said radome.

A method for manufacturing an antenna assembly, comprising the steps of:

• providing a tray including first and second ends and first and second parallel edges, said first and second edges including first and second channels along the length of said first and second edges;
• providing a radome including an interior and an exterior, said interior including first and second protrusions along the length of said radome, said first and second protrusions corresponding to said first and second channels, and being operative for slidably connecting said radome to said tray;
• sliding said radome on said tray so that said first and second protrusions engage said first and second channels;
• positioning a top end cap adjacent said first end of said tray and attaching said top end cap to said tray and said radome;
• and
• positioning a bottom end cap adjacent said second end of said tray and attaching said bottom end cap only to said radome.