TEL AVIV. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a world-class aerospace and defence leader, has won an Israeli Ministry of Defence tender to supply management and control computer systems that will be integrated into the Israeli Air Force’s new Boeing KC-46 refueling aircraft. This computer plays a crucial role in refueling activities and will integrate Israeli systems into the aircraft’s core systems.
The avionics computer that will be supplied by IAI is part of the OPAL family which has been in operational use in the Air Force’s combat deployment for some time. The computer brings with it the integration of an open architecture based on unique international standards, namely, Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) and FACETM. The computer will allow full connection and connectivity of the Communications, Command and Control systems, Electronic Warfare, mission management and more. It will enable a leap forward in refueling operations and is in line with the advanced combat systems used by Israel’s Air Force.
In 2022, the State of Israel signed a contract with Boeing for the supply of four new KC-46A refueling aircraft, considered to be the most advanced in the world, to be used by the Israeli Air Force. The planes, due to be delivered starting in 2025, are intended to replace the Boeing 707 refueling aircraft which have been in operation with the Air Force for many years. IAI will lead the upgrade of the advanced interface computer, which represents part of the Israel Air Force’s modern avionics concept, as well as be tasked with the development of the logical interfaces of the Israeli systems with the aircraft’s avionics and displays.
In addition, the company will establish multi-system development and integration laboratories and serve as the main technical integrator for the testing, integration, and implementation of these capabilities in the new refueling assets – the initial building block for the Israel Air Force’s entire air transportation capability.
IAI VP and Manager of Aircraft Conversion and Upgrade products, Yaakov Berkovich stated, “The avionics computer that will be integrated into the Israeli refueling system is unique in the military world and was built with an innovative and open architecture incorporating advanced technologies that allow processing at the tactical end-stations. This computer will, in the future, be able to be integrated into other platforms requiring advanced processing capabilities and represents a key building block in the ‘combat cloud’ concept we are offering to our customers in Israel and around the world. We want to thank Israel’s Ministry of Defence for the trust it has placed in us to lead this important project. This win further recognises of IAI’s ability to meet the technological and operational challenges required at present. We are confident that the capabilities that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) will acquire in this project will help the Air Force deal with the unique challenges they face in our region.”
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is a world-leading aerospace and defence company innovating and delivering state-of-the-art technologies in space, air, land, naval, cyber and homeland security for defence and commercial markets.
Combining the “Start-up Nation” spirit of innovation with decades of combat-proven experience, IAI provides customers with tailor-made, cutting-edge solutions to the unique challenges they face, including satellites, UAVs, missiles, intelligence solutions, weapon systems, air defence systems, robotic systems, radars, business jets, aerostructures, and more.
Established in 1953, IAI is one of Israel’s largest technology employers with offices and R&D centres in Israel and abroad.
