Provides Unique ISR Capability in LEO SIGINT
UK-based SIGINT specialist Horizon Technologies was granted a US patent on 28 July for its transformational Xtender technology, which allows the smallest UAS and CubeSats to detect, geolocate and intercept satphone communications remotely, from a miniature software-defined radio (SDR).
The patent is the second for Horizon. CEO John Beckner stated “This new patent for our transformational Xtender technology represents a key milestone for Horizon Technologies. Xtender enables the users of even the smallest UAVs to have the same Sat Phone SIGINT capability of larger UAVs and manned aircraft. Even more importantly, our patented Xtender technology is one of the building blocks of our AMBER CubeSat constellation and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) space-based intelligence system. Our AMBER CubeSat constellation, will not only have the ability to geolocate L-band emitters like Sat Phones, but actually allow for the real-time demodulation of the signals. This capability is unique in the emerging field of LEO (Low Earth Orbit) CubeSat-driven SIGINT […] We also believe that the issuance of this patent enhances Horizon Technologies’ ability to attract financial and industry strategic partners to help further the company’s continuing profitable growth.”
Horizon Technologies is a leader in airborne satellite phone monitoring systems for ISR applications, equipping governments worldwide by enhancing their SIGINT capabilities. It is the original equipment manufacturer for the FlyingFish, which is in operation on numerous ISR aircraft worldwide, including NATO and FRONTEX. In 2021, the company will launch the first of its AMBER commercial SIGINT CubeSats, in a Public/Private partnership with the British government, to provide customers with an enhanced maritime intelligence data service.