TIMNEX series Electronic Support (ES) and ELectronic INTelligence (ELINT) systems
Date Posted: 19-Jan-2004
Type
Family of combined naval ES and ELINT systems.
Description
TIMNEX ES/ELINT systems are described as being designed for the detection, location, identification and analysis of radar emitters. Such equipments are claimed to offer short response times and a `high', omnidirectional, probability of detection in `dense' environments. As of April 2002, the latest identified member of the family was the 2 to 18 GHz band TIMNEX II subsurface configuration which, as of the given date, was described as being a fully integrated or stand-alone ES/ELINT system that comprises ES and threat warning antenna arrays, a mast interface processor, a radio frequency test unit, a channelised receiver, a Direction-Finding (DF) processor, a pulse processor, a parallel interleaver digital signal processor unit, a host computer and an interface to the host boat's combat system data bus. As such, the architecture is described as providing:
* automatic functionality and threat analysis
* 100 per cent probability of intercept
* `short' response times
* instantaneous DF and frequency measurement (IDF/IFM)
* `high' angular accuracy for tactical applications
* `high sensitivity' IDF and IFM channels
* effective signals analysis and identification in dense environments
* `very' accurate parameter measurement in the ELINT role
* automatic ELINT signal identification (by means of library correlation)
* operator or computer control in the ELINT role
* video and digital data recording
* raw or processed data logging for off-line analysis.
The TIMNEX II's ES antenna array can be mounted on either a dedicated ES mast or on the top of an optronic unit and can make use of one of two DF techniques. Here, the options are amplitude or phase comparison, with each configuration comprising omni and directional elements that cover the system's entire frequency range. Equally, both configurations are designed to withstand hydrostatic pressures in excess of 50 bars. Other system features include multiple digital signal processors within the architecture's parallel interleaver processing unit to ensure analysis of the entire frequency spectrum when operating in dense electro-magnetic environments. The system's DF processor can handle both phase and amplitude comparison data, while its channelised receiver incorporates a multiple narrow frequency band blocking capability and the ability to handle co-pulse and low probability of intercept (option) emitters.
Status
Over time, Jane's sources suggest that TIMNEX ES/ELINT systems have been (or are planned to be) installed aboard `Gal' (three boats-in-class withdrawn from service during 1999-2000) and `Dolphin' (three boats) class anti-submarine warfare capable submarines of the Israeli Navy; `Katsonis' (four boats building as of August 2003) class anti-submarine warfare capable submarines of the Hellenic Navy and `Hai Lung' (two boats) class anti-submarine warfare capable submarines of the Taiwanese Navy. Of these, Jane's sources suggest that the TIMNEX systems required for the 'Katsonis' class boats were acquired by Howaldtswerke Deutsche Werft in a then year US$12 million deal with Elbit that was first publicised during April 2001.
Specifications - TIMNEX II
Frequency coverage: 2-18 GHz (0.5-40 GHz option)
Frequency accuracy: 1.5 MHz (over complete frequency range)
Sensitivity: -68 to -70 dBm
Bearing accuracy: better than 2º (phase comparison antenna array)
Real-time processing capacity: up to 256 emitters
Hydrostatic pressure: in excess of 50 bars
Contractor
Elbit Systems Ltd, Haifa.