IAI EL/W-2085 (G550)

History

The Gulfstream G550 family of business jets has proven popular and capable in more than one way, with approximately 550 aircraft built (2018). Over the past decade, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has partnered with Elta Electronics Industries (EEI) to retrofit the same jet to fulfill the Israeli Air Force (IAF) AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) )Task. The work involved fitting the Elta EL/W-2085 "Eltam" dual-band sensor radar kit to existing aircraft and installing the appropriate control stations, sensors and systems to produce the IAI EL/W-2085.

A series of antennas and sensors were added to the dorsal fin, and a protruding sleeve was added to the top of the vertical tail fin. Perhaps the most notable change is the board-side structure on the fuselage to accommodate the radome in a conformal mount.

The EL/W-2085 family of aircraft entered service with the Indian Air Force in April 2012 to provide fighter jets with real-time information on the current battlefield. These aircraft follow the outdated (and expensive) Boeing 707 models (equipped with EL/M-2075 series radars) in the same AEW&C role.

The aircraft also serves the Singapore Air Force. Future operators of the EL/W-2085 system include Australia, Italy and the United States.

The G550 body retains more or less the same form and function as the original Gulfstream product. It is powered by two engines located in the rear of the fuselage. The main wing of the aircraft is swept back and mounted lower, while the horizontal stabilizer is positioned higher.

A typical tricycle landing gear is used for ground travel.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes