Conformal AESA SATCOM Terminals Delivered for Fighter Aircraft

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has completed delivery of dozens of SATCOM (Satellite Communication) terminals with a conformal electronically-steered antenna for fighter aircraft. 

The terminals are based on Active Electronic Scanned Array (AESA) technology, and are installed on advanced 4.5 generation Western fighter jets. 

IAI’s beyond line-of-sight solution ensures seamless voice and data communications, at any location, and even during fast, low-altitude flight. Utilizing a unique flush-mounted antenna, the compact AESA SATCOM system eliminates antenna and radome drag, and is therefore optimally suited to a fighter aircraft’s aggressive flight envelope, as well as to other platforms requiring low-drag performance. 

By relying on a single LRU phased array, the technology is installed and integrated smoothly and ensures a low life cycle cost. With a high-performance and robust network design, the system connects hundreds of registered users, and switches seamlessly between frequencies, at any given moment, according to the mission scenario and requirements. 

“We are proud of pioneering SATCOM technologies for fighter jet aircraft, and of bringing the conformal SATCOM terminal to the market,” said Adi Dulberg, General Manager of Intelligence Communications and EW Division at IAI-ELTA. “Completing the delivery of dozens of these systems to our customer is an important milestone for IAI. Conformal terminals are the future of airborne SATCOM, and are enabled through IAI’s leadership in AESA technologies. By utilizing our AESA expertise to provide a breakthrough in airborne beyond line-of-sight communications, IAI is highlighting its innovative spirit and cutting-edge capabilities.”