IAI-Elta Systems has stepped up the marketing of a multi-mission airborne reconnaissance and surveillance system (Mars2) based on the Gulfstream G550 business jet. The sensor suite would combine SAR and GMTI radar plus EO/IR, Sigint and C3 capability “in a tight integration thanks to some unique algorithms,” said Gideon Landa, Elta’s general manager, airborne systems and radar division. Landa told the Airborne ISR conference, organized in London by Defence IQ, that the Mars2 will build on the company’s previous development of dedicated Sigint and C[onformal]AEW systems for the Israeli air force, on the Gulfstream G500 and G550 jets respectively, to provide complete ground situational awareness. “We’re looking for a customer. We have all of the payloads available already and are close to a mature solution that could be operational in three to four years,” he added. In previous briefings, such as during the CAEW international debut at Farnborough four years ago, the company said it was developing Mars2 for an Israeli MoD requirement.
