Elbit Systems launches Air Keeper airborne SIGINT/EW system

PARIS, June 2015. Elbit Systems is launching Air Keeper, a signal intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic warfare (EW) solution for cargo, transport, and passenger aircraft at the 2015 Paris Air Show.

“The modern battlefield is characterized by asymmetric warfare and low intensity conflicts with quick moving targets which are challenging to target,” recognizes Edgar Maimon, general manager of Elbit Systems, EW and SIGINT. “While traditional SIGINT aircraft are not equipped with soft-kill EW capabilities, Air Keeper offers two crucial capabilities onboard one platform, enabling to close the loop more effectively in the same mission. Providing a force multiplier, this unique new SIGINT and EW solution enables to deal more efficiently with targets of opportunity when encountering the hostile environment.”

The advanced suite is already operational and delivers two critical capabilities on one platform: intelligence gathering and EW soft-kill capacities, providing enhanced versatility for a wide range of mission types.

Air Keeper enables any existing cargo, transport, or passenger aircraft to perform missions such as intelligence gathering and EW. Reducing the effectiveness of enemy radar and radio systems, Air Keeper has the capability to target communications, radars, and other assets.

Air Keeper is tailored to the specific customer’s needs and requirements and can be quickly and easily integrated without interfering to the platform functionality/mission.

Air Keeper is comprised of the following subsystems:

ESM/ELINT

Providing full spectrum 0.5-40 GHz coverage, ESM/ELINT capabilities are integrated into the EW subsystems to automatically detect, measure, identify, monitor, and intercept all ground-based, shipborne, and airborne radar signals. Elisra's ELINT systems provide continuous/uninterrupted platform protection, surveillance, early warning, information gathering and storage, geo-location, and data analysis.

ECM

The ECM system simultaneously detects, locates, and selectively jams enemy targets – both automatically and manually – delivering the significant operational advantage of pinpoint neutralization of enemy systems while handling multiple threats in parallel. The system brings advanced Electromagnetic Counter Measures (ECM) capabilities to all echelons – strategic, divisional and tactical levels. Combining advanced tactical and strategic capabilities, complete real-time access to the system and full local decision-making and operational autonomy to forces in the field are enabled. The system includes cutting-edge selective jamming capabilities – and prevents the jamming of the entire battlefield and secondary disturbances by friendly forces. Withstanding harsh environments, it adapts to all platforms, and can be positioned close to frontline forces.

COMINT/DF

An array of Communications, Intelligence, and Direction Finding (COMINT/DF) systems – providing advanced demodulation, classification, and agile signal detection capabilities – operate over HF – 6 GHz frequency bands. They deliver a real-time display of the arena activity, furnishing ultra-fast, accurate DF range measurement in dense environments – and providing a full modular solution for cellular SIGINT and EW. Integration with COMJAM capabilities enables reliable land, sea, and air coverage – serving both strategic and tactical objectives.

COMJAM

Combining extremely advanced algorithms and components, the most sophisticated Communications Jamming systems cope with conventional as well as today's most advanced methods, including frequency-hopping.

A “look-through” mechanism for reception and activity detection enables precisely-timed selective jamming of targeted signals as well as prioritization of targets. Able to withstand the harshest combat environments, Elisra’s COMJAM systems are adaptable to all airborne and ground platforms, including AFVs – and can escort frontline forces.

Command and Control

The Command, Control, Communication, Computer, and Intelligence Systems form the advanced, user-friendly interface that facilitates efficient, accurate, and timely operation. Connecting the human factor with the system’s SIGINT and EW elements, the fully integrated system processes and exploits the intelligence gathered by the COMINT/DF and ESM/ELINT stations, and manages the missions accordingly.

Self-Protection System (SPS)

The system also enables the optional integration with self-protection solutions for airborne platforms, including IR Self-Protection, MWS (Missile Warning System), RWR (Radar Warning Receiver), Jamming Systems, CMDS (Counter Measures Dispensing System), and Voice and Data Communications.

SATCOM System

A bidirectional satellite data link with a ground satellite station which enables data transmission. Enables transmission/reception of commands (such as voice) and information between the aircraft and ground station.

Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international high-technology company engaged in a wide range of defense, homeland security, and commercial programs throughout the world.