IAI Demonstrates New SAR on Searcher Tactical UAV

Take a look at the IAI/MALAT Searcher II UAV parked in the static display area near the Israeli pavilion. Note the large underside bulge? A cutaway through the bulge reveals a first view of the Elta EL/M-2055 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) deployed on a medium-sized UAV.

Until recently, this type of mission could be executed only with larger platforms, such as the IAI Eagle, which is also on displayed here at the show. The EL/M-2055 has completed integration tests with the Searcher II, extending true all-weather capability to UAV operations.

In SAR-Strip mode EL/M2055 generates images that approach photographic quality, covering large areas from stand-off range. Its SAR-spot mode provides high-resolution images permitting detailed examination of a designated area of interest for target classification. The radar can also automatically detect moving targets, via its Ground Moving Targets Identification-GMTI-mode.