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Israeli Air Force integrates home-made miniaturized, long-distance AWACS
The Israeli Air Forces 122 Nachshon special missions squadron has taken delivery of the Eitam a modified Gulfstream G-550 executive jet, fitted with the newest Israeli airborne early warning system (AEW & C) developed by Israels Elta Systems. 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 (ESM) and communications equipment in support of AEW & C enable the Israeli Air Forces 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. Wonder if India will be interested? Posted by: g(r)omgoru 2008-02-20 |
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