Tel Aviv. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has improved the efficiency of its advanced SATCOM system for attack helicopters by using special phased array conformal antennas. The system is already operational on the Israeli Air Force (IAF) Apache Longbow helicopters and on attack helicopters of some foreign armed forces. The IAF is using its combat helicopters in the daily war against Iranian targets in Syria and against terror targets in Gaza.

The SATCOM system with the advanced antenna has according to a source improved the helicopters capability in performing their missions in what is described as “harsh” conditions.

ELTA the IAI’s electronics subsidiary has gained vast experience in designing, integrating and installing ELK-1891 SATCOM systems on board various helicopters.

The demand for SATCOM systems for attack helicopter is growing “We solved the problems that are part of using this communications system”, an ELTA source said.

According to the Israeli company, the innovative ELK-1891 Ku-band SATCOM network was selected for its exceptional performance on rotary wing platforms. ELTA has developed a unique capability for enabling helicopter rotor penetration by mitigating rotor masking.

Furthermore, the system offers high spectral efficiency and Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) capabilities, as well as relatively minor integration and installation requirements on-board the helicopter. The system enables Voice and IP data transmission and includes a 30cm dish antenna, High Power Amplifier (HPA), modem and interface to the aircraft avionics.

Israel has some communication satellite in orbit and plans to launch new ones in the coming years.

The company source said that the SATCOM system is based on a very advanced algorithm that enables to use it with a rotor overhead. “The attack helicopters in many scenarios fly very low, nap of the earth, and this also is a limiting factor for communication systems that do not use satellite relay “.

The SATCOM dish antennas initially used with the system on the IAF Apache Longbow helicopter were installed on the helicopter short side wings. The new conformal phased array antenna developed by ELTA can be installed on other parts of the helicopter, cause less drag and are more efficient.