Satellite Evolution

Mar 23, 20221 min

IAI completes delivery of dozens of SATCOM terminals for fighter aircraft

SATCOM Illustration (credit: IAI)

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has completed the delivery of dozens of SATCOM (Satellite Communication) terminals with a conformal electronically-steered antenna for fighter aircraft. The SATCOM terminals are based on AESA (Active Electronic Scanned Array) 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.