- The new Leonardo ‘Spider’ communications intelligence (COMINT) system can detect, intercept, identify and geo-locate complex target communcations in a congested environment
- When combined with the Leonardo SAGE system, Spider will provide a full signals intelligence (SIGINT) capability through a single mission system interface
- The development of Spider is in line with Leonardo’s Industrial Plan, which includes focused investment in product leadership
Leonardo, which is exhibiting at the
Farnborough Air Show 2018 (16-20th July), will unveil a
new Electronic Warfare (EW) communications intelligence (COMINT) product, called
‘Spider’ for the eight Radio Frequency (RF) antennas contained within the system. Spider is able to
intercept and analyse enemy communications in real time. This gives commanders the ability to monitor hostile forces’ intent and location utilising Spider’s built-in
geolocation technology. By automatically detecting and tracking targets, Spider can present operators with an in-depth picture of the activities of hostile forces. This new product will be on show at
Leonardo’s stand (L1).
Trials of Spider have been conducted in 2018 and first deliveries will be available from 2019. Spider has been developed to provide high-end COMINT features at a significantly reduced cost compared to competing systems. Designed and manufactured in the UK, Spider is readily exportable.
The Spider antenna array weighs less than 20kg fitting inside a 1.5 x 0.5 x 0.5m pod, allowing it to be installed on a range of platforms including surveillance aircraft such as the King Air 350, Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) remotely-piloted air systems and larger aircraft such as Leonardo’s ATR-72MP. Spider has been designed for simple integration in an underbelly pod configuration and is supplied factory-calibrated and ready to install on the host aircraft.
Spider can be combined with Leonardo’s SAGE Electronic Surveillance Measures/electronic intelligence (ESM/ELINT) system to provide a full signals intelligence (SIGINT) capability through a single mission interface. COMINT and ELINT data will be provided to the crew through a single graphical user interface which allows mission commander overview or dedicated COMINT and ELINT analysis.
Leonardo is
Europe’s number one provider of airborne electronic warfare systems and is the
lead for the EuroDASS consortium, providing the
integrated defensive aids suite for the Eurofighter Typhoon. Leonardo also provides the defensive aides suite for the
UK Armed Forces AW159 Wildcat, Puma, Chinook and Apache AH-64D as well as export customers’ helicopters. The Company was recently selected to provide a sovereign defensive aids suite for the
UK’s new Apache AH-64E helicopters. With its breakthrough
BriteCloud product family, Leonardo is the only company to offer a proven
DRFM expendable active decoy. BriteCloud is in service with the UK Royal Air Force. Leonardo’s expertise in the domain allows it to offer a comprehensive
Electronic Warfare Operational Support (EWOS) facility to customers, boosting the effectiveness of their EW capability.