EL/W-2085
| Company type | Radar system |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace, Defense |
| Founder | Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Elta Electronics Industries |
| Headquarters | Israel , Israel |
| Products | Airborne early warning and control radar system |
The EL/W-2085 represents a sophisticated multi-band radar system designed for airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) applications, developed collaboratively by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elta Electronics Industries based in Israel. This system delivers critical intelligence to uphold air superiority and execute comprehensive surveillance missions. Currently, it is operational within the air forces of Israel, Italy, and Singapore.
Design and features
Building upon the foundation of the single-band EL/M-2075 "Phalcon," the EL/W-2085 replaces the conventional rotating rotodome with a state-of-the-art active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. Utilizing transmit/receive modules, this active phased array radar electronically directs its beams, thereby removing the necessity for mechanical rotation. AESA technology employs pseudorandom frequency hopping combined with rapid scanning capabilities, which significantly complicates detection and jamming attempts. The system is capable of simultaneously monitoring up to 1000 targets over distances reaching 243 nautical miles (450 km), while supporting multiple concurrent air-to-air and air-to-surface engagements. The Israeli CAEW radar configuration integrates L-band arrays mounted on both sides of the fuselage along with S-band antennas positioned at the aircraft’s nose and tail sections. This phased array radar refreshes target positions every 2 to 4 seconds, offering a considerable improvement over the 10-second update intervals typical of rotodome-based AWACS.
Operational history
The Israeli Air Force introduced five Gulfstream G550-based Eitam platforms outfitted with the EL/W-2085 dual-band sensor suite in 2005. These aircraft provide superior operational capabilities and reduced lifecycle costs compared to their predecessors, the Boeing 707-based EL/M-2075 systems. IAI carried out extensive modifications on the Gulfstream airframe, incorporating composite radomes to house conformal radar arrays. These AEW&C assets are deployed from Nevatim Airbase.
In 2007, the Republic of Singapore Air Force procured four G550-EL/W-2085 aircraft to succeed its upgraded E-2C Hawkeye fleet; these entered active service by April 2012.
Italy initially acquired two G550-EL/W-2085 units in 2011 and subsequently placed an order for an additional two aircraft in 2022.
In 2018, a G550-EL/W-2085 was delivered to the U.S. Navy for conversion by Raytheon into the NC-37B platform.
Current operators
- (2 plus 1 pending delivery)
- Operated by the Israeli Air Force
- (2 plus 2 on order)
- Utilized by the Italian Air Force, where these CAEW aircraft are designated E-550A.
- Two units ordered in 2012, delivered in 2018.
- Two additional units ordered in 2024.
- (4)
- Operated by the Singapore Air Force
Future operators
- (4 units on order)
- In October 2024, Saab AB and KAI formalized a memorandum of understanding for industrial collaboration and technology transfer concerning the AEW&C II programme tailored for the South Korean Air Force.
- In September 2025, South Korea selected L3Harris’ Phoenix platform equipped with Elta’s EL/W-2085 radar system.
See also
External links
- EL/W-2085 Archives – Articles on CAEW by The Aviationist
- EL/W-2085 official brochure (PDF)
- IAI product page