Aeronautics and CRFS collaborate to integrate RF technology on Aerostar UAV
CRFS RFeye technology is in service on Aeronautics Aerostar UAV platforms. (Photo: Aeronautics)
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
-
Hybrid Air Vehicles secures first defence order for Airlander 10
The undisclosed customer, described as an “innovative defence contractor”, has reserved three Airlander 10 aircraft for military use.
-
Lockheed Martin emphasises self-funding efforts for “big bet” next-gen prototypes
A significant effort is now being made to focus on showcasing prototypes directly to demonstrate various capabilities to the US government.
-
Ukraine and Sweden mark first major step towards potential Gripen E export deal
The letter of intent, signed on 22 October, is the first move in a “long road” towards Sweden strengthening the Ukrainian Air Force with up to 150 Gripen aircraft.
-
Shield AI unveils new autonomous VTOL fighter jet concept
Named X-Bat, the AI-controlled vertical take-off and landing drone is expected to enter production by 2029, with first flight tests estimated to take place a year earlier.
-
How satcom is shaping the future of fast, accurate warfare (podcast)
"Speed is the key advantage and accuracy is the key outcome": Amazon Kuiper Government Solutions’ Rick Freeman talks to Shephard’s Georgia Lewis about how space-as-a-service is transforming defence connectivity and access to satellite capabilities.
-
US Army order for CH-47F Block II aircraft takes total contracted to 18 in rapid fielding effort
Boeing has delivered six Chinook CH-47F Block II production helicopters to the US Army, with the helicopters now undergoing a series of evaluations to demonstrate their enhanced capabilities. The company is working with the army on a path forward for Lot 6.