The SkyStar 330 aerostat can carry a range of payloads including communications. (Photo: RT LTA Systems)
Israel’s RT LTA Systems has announced the completion of the integration of a cellular communication system on its SkyStar 330 aerostat platform which included operation “in recent months by one of its local clients”.
Prior to IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi opening on 17 February, the company said it would be unveiling the system at the show.
According to the company, the aerostat system's advantages “include rapid deployment capability, allowing it to be fully set up with communication and data channels established for users within about an hour from arrival on the site”.
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“The aerostat, operating at a height of approximately 500m creates a line-of-sight for dozens of kilometres in the area,” the company noted.
The ground equipment is connected to the aerial payload via fibre-optics within a tethered cable which also provides a power supply to the system, ensuring high availability and continuous operation.
The system is operated by a team of three, and in the next phase, which is already in advanced development stages, it will be operated remotely and autonomously.
RT CEO Rami Shmueli said the integration of the cellular systems occurred over the space of several months and is suitable for a range of military and civilian situations.
“The system is suitable for numerous scenarios, such as to meet an urgent need to open communication channels for search and rescue teams,” Shmueli remarked.
“[It can also be used] for the coverage of extensive areas without infrastructure, post-disaster events where infrastructure is damaged and to augment existing communication systems.”
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Edge Group’s international partnership collaboration included Letters of Intent (LoIs) and agreements with US firm Lockheed Martin and multinational aerospace, defence and security company, Leonardo.
The company cashed on its home ground advantage in Abu Dhabi last week with the launch of 46 products and solutions, while exhibiting a total of 218 items on its 9,000m2 stand, on which its range of subsidiaries were promoted and 16 contracts were signed.
Aselsan CEO Ahmet Akyol confirmed that the tests for its TOYGUN and KARAT products would take place on a UAV platform as efforts continue to progress its “challenging” technology roadmap into 2025 and 2026.
Hanwha Aerospace global defense CEO Michael Coulter was appointed to the seat just over two months ago. He sat down with Shephard at last week’s IDEX 2025 to outline his vision for how the company is looking to grow its footprint in the US and Europe.
The vessels were first discussed a full ten years before the commissioning ceremony, and three more are due within the next three years.
Rafael president and CEO Yoav Tourgeman, speaking to Shephard at IDEX 2025, has outlined how the company is pushing through air defence programmes in the face of attacks on Israel from rockets, missiles and drones on multiple fronts.
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