Elisra
Tadiran Mastiff
The Tadiran Mastiff, developed by Israeli electronics firm Elisra, emerged in the early 1980s as a versatile airborne early‑warning and surveillance platform. Originally derived from the modified Cessna 337 Skymaster airframe, the Mastiff incorporated a distinctive dorsal radome housing a multi‑mode radar capable of detecting low‑altitude targets, maritime vessels, and ground movement at ranges exceeding 200 km. Elisra’s expertise in signal processing allowed the aircraft to integrate electronic support measures (ESM), communications intelligence, and data‑link capabilities into a single lightweight system, making it attractive to both military and civilian operators. Throughout the 1990s the Mastiff saw service with the Israeli Defense Forces, the Royal Air Force of Oman, and several United Nations peace‑keeping missions, where its ability to operate from short, unpaved airstrips proved invaluable. The platform’s modular payload architecture set a precedent for future ELINT and AEW solutions, influencing later designs such as the Rivet Air and the Heron‑2 UAV. Today, the Tadiran Mastiff remains a benchmark for cost‑effective airborne surveillance, demonstrating how a small, adaptable airframe can deliver strategic situational awareness in diverse operational theatres. Its legacy continues to inspire modern sensor integration strategies worldwide.
Classification
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1973