BUFF 8 Posted February 20, 2008 February 19, 2008, 4:33 PM (GMT+02:00) DEBKAfile’s military sources report: The Israeli Air Force’s 122 Nachshon special missions squadron has taken delivery of the “Eitam” – a modified GulfstreamGulfstream GG-550 executive jet, fitted with the newest Israeli airborne early warning system (AEWAEW & C) developed by Israel’s EltaElta SystemsSystems. Crammed onto the new, extra-small Eitam platform is a long-range intelligence, target tracking and operational control system that can produce aerial pictures deep inside enemy territory, while warning attack formations of approaching threats. Its electronic support measures (ESMESM) and communications equipment in support of AEWAEW & C enable the Israeli Air Force’s intelligence and electronic warfare arms to operate hundreds of kilometers inside enemy territory. Eitam can cover Syria, without leaving Israeli air space and target Iran from a great distance. The new craft can stay airborne for 10 hours at the relatively safe altitude of 40,000 feet. It also has an in-flight refueling capacity. This third-generation system developed by Israel Air Industries/Elta Phalcom is the first to be fitted into such a small airframe. Eitam is therefore a smaller target than the conventional, large and expensive AWACs craft. It is also designed to interface with Israel’s spy satellites, Dolphin submarines which, according to foreign sources, are capable of carrying nuclear cruise missiles, other Israeli early warning systems and the IsraeliIsraeli DefenseDefense ForcesForces ground commands. The three Eiatm craft delivered to the Nachshon squadron feature two radar systems operating simultaneously on different frequency bands and, mounted on their fuselage, phased array antennas that provide 360-degree coverage of wide spaces. It replaces the E-2C aircraft retired in the 1990s. Israel has taken orders for this miniaturized airborne early warning system from India for its fleet of Ilyushin-76 aircraft and the Singapore Air Force. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nesher 628 Posted February 20, 2008 very interesting... thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sparkomatic 7 Posted February 21, 2008 - relatively safe altitude of FL400...safe from what Ak-47 ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JediMaster 451 Posted February 21, 2008 AAA, MANPADs, and low-flying aircraft. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
