IAI’s Elta division has introduced an improved version of its proven ELM-2060P podded synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system. The next-generation ELM-2060PES version produces higher resolution SAR images over wider areas and at longer ranges.
The system is carried in a pod similar to a fuel tank beneath combat aircraft and is especially useful in conducting reconnaissance at night and in challenging environmental conditions, such as fog, heavy clouds, rain, and smoke. The pod contains the SAR radar with ground-moving target indication (GMTI) capability, which uses a large active electronically-scanned array that peers sideways. Data is transmitted to and from ground exploitation systems by a bi-directional line-of-sight ELK-1882 H/T datalink with an airborne datalink terminal. The 1,130-pound pod uses its own cooling system and can be rapidly attached or removed from a standard hardpoint.
Two SAR modes are available: strip and spot. In the first, the radar builds up wide area coverage using a series of strips. The resolution is fine enough for target detection. In spot SAR mode the radar provides detailed examination of a point of interest. Its definition is fine enough for target classification. The GMTI mode overlays moving target tracks on the SAR imagery.
A typical operational employment would be to use fighters equipped with the ELM-2060PES to spot and locate enemy targets such as vehicles under a heavy cloud cover using the strip SAR mode and GMTI. They would then be classified with spot SAR. The radar data relays back to the exploitation center in real time, and accurate target positions can pass to other aircraft or artillery for attack.