Having already developed its SAGE system to provide an electronic surveillance measures/intelligence (ESM/Elint) capability, Leonardo has unveiled a new sensor system known as Spider. The new system gathers communications intelligence (Comint) and, when combined with SAGE, forms a full signals intelligence (Sigint) system.

Named on account of its eight antennas, Spider intercepts and analyzes enemy communications in real time. This data can be exploited to monitor hostile intent, while a geolocation function permits location of enemy units and the tracking of their movements.

Leonardo (Outdoor Exhibit L1) has packaged the system into a pod measuring 1.5x0.5x0.5 m that can be installed in an underbelly location. The system is lightweight, with the antenna array weighing just 20 kg (44 pounds), permitting its installation on a range of platforms, including MALE UAVs. When partnered with SAGE both systems use a single graphical user interface. The display can show dedicated Comint and Elint displays, or combine the two into a single integrated Sigint picture.

Spider has been developed in the UK and has already undergone trials on Leonardo’s Piper Navajo testbed. The company said that the system could be ready for delivery sometime next year.