Elta will install $500 million worth of the radar and command and control systems in all three planes.
The Israel Air Force (IAF) today received its first AWACS plane at a ceremony at Air Force Base 27 at Ben Gurion Airport. The Gulfstream G-550 plane is equipped with airborne radar systems made by Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd. (IAI) subsidiary Elta Systems.
Called the “Eitam”, the plane will be flown by the Nachshon squadron. It is the first of three Gulfstream G-550 AWACS to be delivered to the IAF over the next 2-3 years. Elta will install $500 million worth of the radar and command and control in the three planes, to be spread over several years. The Gulfstream G-550 planes were bought with US military aid money.
The Eitam will provide a comprehensive aerial picture of the combat zone, including identifying friend and foe aircraft, target acquisition, communications with other aircraft and with base stations. The plane’s system can handle large quantities of information in real time.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on September 19, 2006
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