EL/M-2075 Phalcon

It is an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) radar system developed by

Israeli Aircraft Industries (IAI) and Elta Electronics Industries of Israel. Its primary
objective is to provide intelligence to maintain air superiority and conduct
surveillance. According to the Federation of American Scientists in a 1999 article, the
Phalcon was among the most advanced AEW&C systems in the world, [1]
before the Boeing 737 AEW&C introduced in 2009.

The system is currently in-service with three countries — Israel, India and Chile —
while one more — Singapore — has placed orders.

Pic: Indian Phalcon

Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) developed its Phalcon system for Israeli defence forces
and for export. Airborne Early Warning, Command and Control (AEWC&C) systems
play a major role on the modern battlefield by providing real-time intelligence and
command and control needed to achieve and maintain air superiority over the
combat area and to enable surveillance of borders in peacetime. The world's most
advanced AEWC&C system, the PHALCON, was developed and produced by ELTA
using Active Phased Array Electronic Scanning Technology rather than a mechanically
rotating antenna (rotodome) used by current AWACS systems, giving PHALCON
greater operational flexibility and performance by several orders of magnitude. The
Phalcon AEW&C aircraft is based on four sensors: phased-array radar, phased-array
IFF, ESM/ELINT and CSM/COMINT. A unique fusion technology continuously cross-
relates the data gathered by all sensors. When one of the sensors reports a
detection, the system automatically initiates an active search of the complementary
sensors.

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 • The AWE&C phased array radar replaces the conventional rotodome radar.
It is mounted either on the aircraft fuselage or on top of the aircraft inside a
stationary dome, providing full 360° coverage. This electronically steered
beam radar delivers a tremendous advantage over mechanical rotating
antenna, as it supports the tracking a high maneuvering targets. The radar
can detect even low flying objects from distances of hundreds of kilometers,
day and night, under all weather conditions. Verification beams sent at
specific, individual, newly detected targets eliminate false alarms. Moreover,
track initiation is achieved in 2 to 4 seconds as compared to 20 to 40 seconds
with a rotodome radar
• The IFF system employs solid state phased array technology to perform
interrogation, decoding, target detection and tracking. A monopulse technique
is used to implement azimuth measurement. The IFF data is automatically
correlated with the phased array radar.
• The ESM/ELINT system receives, analyzes and locates radar signals, covering
360o. It combines high sensitivity with high probability of intercept, and
achieves excellent accuracy in bearing measurement. The system uses
narrow-band super-heterodyne receivers and wide-band instantaneous
frequency measurement (IFM) techniques to provide very high accuracy and
probability of intercept of airborne and surface emitters. Very high bearing
accuracy for all received signals is achieved through Differential Time of
Arrival (DTOA) measurements. The system also collects and analyzes ELINT
data.
• The PHALCON's CSM/COMINT receives in UHF, VHF and HF, rapidly searching
for airborne, shipborne or ground communications signals of interest.
Selected radio nets can be monitored for signal activity. A DF capability
locates targets. Detected signals can be assigned to monitoring receivers
instantaneously. The system makes extensive use of computers to reduce the
load on operators.
• The aircraft communicates, via its data link, with Air Defense HQ. Data from
additional air defense sensors are fused to create a complete spatial picture.

Design and features

The EL/M-2075 is a solid-state L-band conformal array radar system for use on a
Boeing 707 and other aircraft. Phalcon, as the complete AEW mission suite is
referred to, is intended for airborne early warning, tactical surveillance of airborne
and surface targets and intelligence gathering. It also integrates the command and
control capabilities needed to employ this information. The system uses six panels of
phased-array elements: two on each side of the fuselage, one in an enlarged
nosecone and one under the tail. Each array consists of 768 liquid-cooled, solid-state
transmitting and receiving elements, each of which is weighted in phase and
amplitude. These elements are driven by individual modules and every eight modules
are connected to a transmit/receive group. Groups of 16 of these eight module
batches are linked back to what is described as a prereceive/transmit unit, and a
central six-way control is used to switch the pre-transmit/receive units of the
different arrays on a time division basis. As used in its Chilean Boeing 707-based
application, the lateral fairings measured approximately 12 × 2 m and were mounted
on floating beds to prevent airframe flexing degrading the radar accuracy. Each array
scans a given azimuth sector, providing a total coverage of 360°. Scanning is carried
out electronically in both azimuth and elevation. Radar modes include high PRF
search and full track, track-while-scan, a slow scan detection mode for hovering and

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low-speed helicopters (using rotor blade returns) and a low PRF ship detection mode.
Instead of using a rotodome, a moving radar found on some AEW&C aircraft, the
Phalcon uses the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA), an active phased array
radar. This radar consists of an array transmit/receive (T/R) modules that allow a
beam to be electronically steered, making a physically rotating rotodome
unnecessary. AESA radars have very short to instantaneous scanning rates, which
makes them difficult to detect. The radar can be mounted on the an aircraft's
fuselage or on the top inside a small dome. Either position gives the radar 360
degree coverage. The phased array radar allows positions of aircraft on operator
screens to be updated every 2-4 seconds, rather than every 20-40 seconds as is the
case on the rotodome AWACS.

Platforms

The system can be fitted to a number of aircraft, including the Boeing 707, Boeing
767, Boeing 747, Airbus series aircraft, Gulfstream G550 and Ilyushin Il-76. Under a
contract signed with Chile in 1989, the first Phalcon system to be installed was fitted
to a former LanChile Boeing 707, and was first flown in 1993 In May 1994 the
aircraft was delivered to the Chilean Air Force, where it is known as the Condor.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/israel/phalcon.htm

Operational history
The Israeli Air Force has purchased 3 Gulfstream G550 aircraft to serve as the new
IDF platform for the Phalcon system. The system is called Eitam. Extensive
modifications made to the Gulfstream's fuselage, such as the addition of protruding
composite radomes, are intended to allow for the housing of the radar arrays. In
2007, 4 similar G550-Phalcon aircraft were also purchased by the Republic of
Singapore Air Force, to eventually replace its ageing E-2C Hawkeyes. All 4 G550s are
expected to be in-service by 2010. China's purchase of the Phalcon system in 2000
was denied due to pressure from the United States.

Sale to India

In March 2004, Israel and India signed a US$1.1 billion deal according to which IAI
would deliver the Indian Air Force three Phalcon AEW&C radar systems. India signed
a separate deal with the Ilyushin Corporation of Russia for the of supply three Il-76
A-50 heavy air-lifters, which were to be used as platforms for these radar systems,
for an additional US $500 million.

In November 2007, Indian defense officials said that there were significant delays in
the supply of the Russian Il-76 platform and the induction of the radar was now
postponed to 2009-10.[7] In June 2008, media reports suggested that India and
Israel were about to sign a deal for three additional Phalcon radars.

India received its first AWACS on 25th May 2009. It landed in Jamnagar AFB in
Gujarat completing its 8 hour long journey from Israel. [8]

Operators

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 • Israel - Three newer variants with EL/M 2085 dual band radar ("Eitam")
in service on Gulfstream G550 platforms. Older variants on Boeing 707
Platforms are also in service.
• Chile - One in service on a Boeing 707 platform.
• India - One in Service & two ordered on an Il-76 platform. 3 more might
be ordered soon, however on a separate platform like the Embraer or
Gulfstream 550. [9]
•
Singapore - Four ordered on Gulfstream G550 platform. Each costing
approx USD 375 million

Description
The EL/M-2075 is a solid-state D-band conformal array radar system for use on a Boeing 707
and other aircraft. Phalcon, as the complete AEW mission suite is referred to, is intended for
airborne early warning, tactical surveillance of airborne and surface targets and intelligence
gathering. It also integrates the command and control capabilities needed to employ this
information. The system uses six panels of phased-array elements: two on each side of the
fuselage, one in an enlarged nosecone and one under the tail. Each array consists of 768
liquid-cooled, solid-state transmitting and receiving elements, each of which is weighted in
phase and amplitude. These elements are driven by individual modules and every eight
modules are connected to a transmit/receive group. Groups of 16 of these eight module
batches are linked back to what is described as a prereceive/transmit unit, and a central six-
way control is used to switch the pre-transmit/receive units of the different arrays on a time
division basis. As used in its Chilean Boeing 707-based application, the lateral fairings
measured approximately 12 × 2 m and were mounted on floating beds to prevent airframe
flexing degrading the radar accuracy. Each array scans a given azimuth sector, providing a
total coverage of 360°. Scanning is carried out electronically in both azimuth and elevation.
Radar modes include high PRF search and full track, track-while-scan, a slow scan detection
mode for hovering and low-speed helicopters (using rotor blade returns) and a low PRF ship
detection mode. These modes can be

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quick assimilation and comparison of important design and layout characteristics.

Key contents include:

• Analysis

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 • Avionic Communication
• Navigation
• Identification (CNI) Systems
• Flight/Mission Management (FM/MM) and Display Systems
• Airborne Electro-Optic (EO) Systems
• Airborne Radar Systems
• Airborne Electronic Warfare (EW)
• Aircraft cockpits

Different sections provide in depth detail covering:

• Airborne Electro Optic (Eo) Systems

• Airborne Electronic Warfare (Ew) Systems
• Airborne Radar Systems
• Aircraft Cockpits
• Aircraft Control And Monitoring Systems
• Aircraft Identification And Safety Of Flight (Sof) Systems
• Aircraft Navigation Systems
• Analysis
• Avionic Communications Systems
• Combined Cni Systems
• Contractors
• Flight/Mission Management (Fm/Mm) And Display Systems
• Glossary
• The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Phased Array

In wave theory, a phased array is a group of antennas in which the relative phases
of the respective signals feeding the antennas are varied in such a way that the
effective radiation pattern of the array is reinforced in a desired direction and
suppressed in undesired directions. Phased array transmission was originally
developed by Nobel Laureate Karl Ferdinand Braun in 1905, who demonstrated
enhanced transmission of radio waves in one direction. During World War II, Nobel
Laureate Luis Alvarez used phased array transmission in a rapidly-steerable radar
system for "ground-controlled approach", a system to aid in the landing of airplanes
in England. GEMA in Germany built at the same time the PESA Mammut 1.[3] It was
later adapted for radio astronomy, leading to Physics Nobel Prizes for Antony Hewish
and Martin Ryle after several large phased arrays were developed at the University of
Cambridge. The design is also used in radar, and is generalized in interferometric
radio antennas. Recently, DARPA researchers announced a 16 element phased array
integrated with all necessary circuits to send at 30–50 GHz on a single silicon chip for
military purposes.

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An antenna array is a multiple of active antennas coupled to a common source or
load to produce a directive radiation pattern. Usually the spatial relationship also
contributes to the directivity of the antenna. Use of the term "active antennas" is
intended to describe elements whose energy output is modified due to the presence
of a source of energy in the element (other than the mere signal energy which
passes through the circuit) or an element in which the energy output from a source
of energy is controlled by the signal input.

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First AWACS aircraft lands at Jamnagar air base
in Gujarat
Special Correspondent

First of three specialised aircraft for IAF to be formally inducted on Thursday

— Photo: AP/ Defence Ministry

Indian Air Force’s AWACS platform aircraft touches down at the Jamnagar air base
on Monday.

NEW DELHI: The first of three Indian Air Force AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System)
platform aircraft touched down at the Jamnagar air base in Gujarat on Monday afternoon,
flying in from Israel.

The giant Il-76 configured in its new version was escorted by three MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft
each. The fighter formation took off from an advance fighter airbase of the South Western Air
Command (SWAC). They caught up with the AWACS mid-air and escorted it as it entered the
Indian Flight Information Region, till it made it home safely, IAF spokesman Wing Commander
Tarun Kumar Singha said here.

Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, SWAC, Air Marshal K.D. Singh, Air Defence Commander Air
Vice Marshal P. Singh and the AOC Jamnagar, Air Commodore C. Hari Kumar and air warriors
of the air base welcomed the crew of the aircraft. The crew included the Commanding Officer
of the first AWACS squadron, Group Captain B. Saju.

Their maiden touchdown on Indian soil marked the first landing of AWACS aircraft at an IAF
air base. “It was a great feeling to be escorted by our fighters and it feels really good to be
back,” Group Captain Saju said here on arrival. It was flown by a full complement of IAF pilots
belonging to a newly formed squadron from the Ovda International airport in southern Israel.
The eight-and-a-half hour flight skirted several countries. It flew over the Red Sea and the
Arabian Sea before landing at Jamnagar.

The aircraft is expected to reach Palam airport on Tuesday. A formal induction ceremony is
scheduled on May 28. The aircraft will operate from the Agra air base under the Central Air
Command as part of the extended fleet of the Il-76 family.

http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/26/stories/2009052655811000.htm

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The exact specification of the Indian Phalcon system is unknown but the Indian Air
Force will be supplied with the ‘full-strength’ Phalcon, equipped with a phased-array
radar, phased-array IFF, ESM/ELINT and CSM/COMINT, which functions as a
sophisticated intelligence gathering, as well as AEW aircraft, remains to be seen. The
Phalcon system is believed to be capable of tracking up to 60 targets at ranges

between 435-500 miles, giving the Indian Air Force the ability to survey
large areas of Pakistan from within Indian airspace. Currently, the first aircraft is
delivered in May 09, followed by the second nine months later and the last aircraft
around mid 2010. Israel has also agreed to supply India with high-resolution pictures
from its Ofeq-5 photo-reconnaissance satellite of the Kashmir region and the line of
control area between India and Pakistan. In 2003, Israel also had sold India a
number of Aerostat balloons, equipped with phased array radars that are
permanently deployed along the border with Pakistan.

SNAPS OF IAF AWACS SYSTEM

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 NEXT GENERATION PHALCON

EL/W-2085 – Airborne Early Warning System

A new Generation AEW Platform: The long-range, high performance, multi-

sensor AEW introduces a new level of performance to airborne early warning, tactical
surveillance of airborne and surface targets, and the gathering of signal intelligence.

Unique Integration of Sensors: The EL/W-2085's four sensors are: Radar, IFF,
ESM/ELINT and CSM/COMINT. A unique fusion technique continuously cross-
correlates data generated by all sensors: this data is combined with an automatically
initiated active search by one sensor for specific targets detected by other sensors.

Radar: A radar with conformal phased array antennas for simultaneous coverage
and instantaneous focus on selected targets. The EL/W-2085 advanced radar has
several conformal phased array antennas. They are mounted on the fuselage of the
aircraft and can provide up to full 360 degrees coverage.

Advantages: Radar beams can be pointed at any direction in space at any time,
with the beam's parameters fully controlled by the radar computer. The radar
employs a flexible time-space energy management technique which provides the
following advanced capabilities:

• Selectable surveillance: Surveillance can be limited to the battle zone and

other areas of interest. The scan rate in these selected areas is much higher.
• Optimized detection and tracking: A special mode for maneuvering and high
value targets employs a high scan rate and beam shapes optimized for each
target to ensure tracking performance.
• Fast track initiation and no false alarms: Verification beams sent at specific,
individual, newly detected targets eliminate false alarms. Track initiation is
achieved in 2 to 4 seconds.
• Extended detection range: By transmitting extra long dwells in selected
sectors, an extended detection range is achieved.
• High Fault Tolerance and Redundancy: The system uses distributed, solid
state transmitting and receiving elements. Each element is controlled in phase
and amplitude. The system continues its operation even if some of the units
are faulty

http://www.iai.co.il/34480-36643-en/ELTA.aspx

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TEL AVIV, Israel — The long arm of the Israel Air Force is about to get substantially
longer with next month’s planned delivery of the first of three Eitam aircraft, the
nation’s newest airborne early warning (AEW) system.
Developed by Elta Systems and housed on a Gulfstream G550 business jet, the long-
range intelligence, target tracking and operational control system will generate
detailed aerial pictures deep inside enemy territory while warning attack formations
of approaching threats.

Defense and industry sources say Elta has completed integration and validation of its
EL/W-2085 AEW system on the G550 platform and is now conducting final flight tests
prior to next month’s planned transfer to IAF users.

“The plane we are about to induct … will significantly enhance IAF capabilities over a
broad range of mission areas,” the IAF confirmed in an April 7 statement. “We are
proud to be inducting this aircraft based on the indigenous technologies of the Israeli
defense industry.”

The Eitam replaces E-2C aircraft retired in the 1990s and will join the IAF’s new fleet
of Gulfstream-based signals intelligence planes, operated by the service’s 122
Nachshon special mission squadron.

In a Feb. 4 interview, Elta Marketing Director Igo Licht confirmed that the company
had completed integration “in record time” and would soon be ready to deliver the
first Eitam to its flagship customer. He noted that Elta began integration work on the
Eitam shortly after the arrival of the Gulfstream aircraft here in late September
2006.

Although Elta has installed versions of its third-generation Phalcon system on larger
platforms like the Ilyushin Il-76 selected by the Indian air force, defense and
industry sources said this is the first time such a complex, high-performance AEW
suite has been integrated on such a compact airframe.

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The Elta executive declined to discuss other customers for the G550-based system.
However, Singapore’s Ministry of Defence announced last May its intention to replace
E-2C aircraft with four of the advanced AEW systems. First deliveries of the Israeli
system are planned for later this year, and initial operational capability with the
Republic of Singapore Air Force is expected by 2010.

“It was a tremendous engineering challenge to package such a high-end,

multisensor, two-radar system into such a small, cost-effective platform,” Licht said.
“It’s a significant milestone, since it proves you don’t need those large, expensive,
high-maintenance wide-body platforms to host these frontline systems.”

He noted that Eitam would be “fully connected into the existing network of
surrounding systems,” and offers a long-range detection capability exceeding
“several hundred kilometers.”

IAI performance data released upon receipt of the modified Gulfstream aircraft in
September 2006 said the Eitam will feature two radar systems, each of which will
operate simultaneously in different frequency bands. Mounted on the aircraft’s
fuselage, the system’s conformal phased array antennas can be pointed in any
direction at any time, providing 360-degree coverage over exceedingly long areas.

According to IAI, the system uses “a unique fusion technique” that continuously
cross-correlates data generated by radar, friend-or-foe identifiers, electronic signals
collection and communication signals collection systems. Moreover, data collected by
any of the four sensing systems automatically triggers an active search by other
sensors for reliable identification and verification of targets.

Due to its long-range detection capabilities, the IAF should be able to operate Eitam
on most missions from the safety of its own airspace, without having to venture into
enemy territory. The aircraft is designed to remain airborne for more than 10 hours
at relatively safe altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet.

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