Aeronautics and CRFS collaborate to integrate RF technology on Aerostar UAV
UK company CRFS has integrated its RF technology with the Aeronautics family of Aerostar UAVs with the first system already deployed with an undisclosed European customer, and is now offering the capability to new and existing operators.
A CRFS official said Aeronautics approached the company to enhance a SIGINT/ELINT capability by integrating the company’s RFeye technology for RF signal detection, capture and geolocation missions across a wideband spectrum range (10MHz-18GHz).
The company states that the simple gain provided by the system is a substantial enhancement in signal collection radius, resulting in improved operational range and enabling new concepts of operation. The small form factor, low power consumption, and low bandwidth requirements of the RFeye receiver are designed specifically for the development of suitable payloads with no compromise on RF performance.
Related Articles
Aerostat successfully completes border surveillance trial
Rafael enhances Drone Dome with CRFS's RFeye technology
RFeye has been integrated for a range of platforms and operational scenarios. In 2017 it was announced it had been integrated with an Airborne Industries' 850 Aerostat and in July 2023 that it had been integrated as sensor option into Rafael’s Drone Dome, a C-UAS system in service with the UK MoD and ordered for an undisclosed Asian customer.
In 2018 CRFS launched a new software tool called RFeye DeepView for forensic spectrum analysis, a software which allows the user to analyse the RF spectrum in detail to discover signals of interest that might be intermittent or hidden in the noise. It enables the analysis of large data sets in minutes.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
Industrial benefit or political distraction? Navigating the final assembly line
Using the example of the F-35, does rolling out a domestic final assembly line make economic or industrial sense for countries wanting to purchase new aircraft?
-
Analysis: Is the C-5 Galaxy in it for the long-haul?
What are the realistic options for replacing or replicating the C-5’s unique capability when it finally reaches its end of life?
-
XTEND wins contract for precision strike drone
XTEND is supplying its Scorpio UAS to meet a US DoD requirement for an indoor/outdoor strike drone.
-
US Congress limits F-35 procurement
Restrictions cover new purchases of the three variants of the multirole fighter and require the DoD to correct issues in the acquisition programme.
-
Spain makes order for 25 Eurofighter Typhoons
Known as the Halcon II programme, the order covers 21 single-seat and four twin-seat aircraft, set to be delivered between 2030 and 2035.
-
T-6 Texan II trainers deepen their footprint in Asia
Textron Aviation Defense has said it is confident it can continue to grow orders across Asia as Japan selects the T-6 Texan II to replace the Fuji T-7.