The Israeli air force's Gulfstream G550 signals intelligence (SIGINT), electronic countermeasures (ECM) and airborne early-warning platform is illustrated in the first image approved by the service since it signed a $473 million deal to acquire four of the aircraft.
Israel's first multi-mission G550 will be delivered early next year for initial operations from an air force site at Tel Aviv's Ben-Gurion international airport. The service, however, plans to move the squadron within the next few years to a new base at Nevatim in southern Israel.
The G550s are being modified by Gulfstream to receive mission systems produced by Israel Aircraft Industries' (IAI's) Elta subsidiary. The company is under contract to convert one or two aircraft into SIGINT/ECM platforms, with the remainder to be equipped with its Phalcon phased-array radar for airborne early-warning duties. The air force holds options to acquire a further two of the aircraft, with its initial deal also including a 10-year logistics support package.
IAI also plans to use the aircraft to promote similar mission packages to possible export customers.
ARIE EGOZI / TEL AVIV
Source: Flight International
