Israel Aerospace Industries Delivers GaN-Based Airborne Surveillance Radar

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has recently delivered its latest innovation in airborne surveillance, the C-Catcher Multi-Mode, Multi-Role radar system, to an undisclosed strategic customer. This advanced radar is engineered to enhance detection capabilities and operational flexibility across air-to-sea, air-to-ground, and air-to-air missions.

Evolution from the ELM-2022

Building upon the success of the ELM-2022 radar family, which boasts over 1,000 units in service across 35 countries, the C-Catcher represents a significant technological leap. The integration of Gallium Nitride (GaN) Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology not only boosts performance and reliability but also maintains a compact and efficient design.

Key Features and Capabilities

• Simultaneous Multi-Mode Operation: The C-Catcher is capable of conducting wide-area surveillance in real-time, operating multiple detection modes concurrently. This feature ensures comprehensive situational awareness across various mission profiles.

• Advanced Target Detection: With sophisticated digital processing and algorithms, the radar excels in detecting small targets at high altitudes, even under challenging conditions such as rough sea states or cluttered ground environments.

• High-Resolution Imaging: Equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) modes, the C-Catcher provides high-resolution imaging, enhancing target classification and identification accuracy.

• Versatile Configurations: Available in both fixed and rotating setups, the radar is adaptable for installation on various platforms, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) platforms.

Strategic Importance

Dror Bar, Vice President of IAI and CEO of its subsidiary ELTA Systems, emphasized the critical role of airborne surveillance radars in national security and defense. He noted that the C-Catcher leverages decades of operational experience in radar technology, positioning it as a pivotal asset for modern defense strategies.

About Israel Aerospace Industries

Established in 1953, IAI is a global leader in aerospace and defense, developing advanced solutions for both military and commercial markets. The company's expertise spans satellites, UAVs, missile systems, cybersecurity, and intelligence solutions, underscoring its commitment to innovation and excellence in the defense sector.

In summary, the C-Catcher radar system signifies a substantial advancement in airborne surveillance technology, offering enhanced detection capabilities, operational flexibility, and adaptability across multiple platforms and mission scenarios.