Eitam

The Gulfstream Eitam is a specially modified version of Gulfstream Aerospace’s G550 business jet, adapted for the Israeli Air Force as an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platform. Development began in the early 2000s when Israel sought a high‑altitude, long‑range aircraft capable of integrating advanced signals‑intelligence (SIGINT) and communications‑relay payloads. The first flight of the prototype took place in 2005 and the type entered operational service in 2009, where it has been designated 601 “Eitam” after the biblical name for the ancient city of Eilat.

Built on the G550’s proven airframe, the Eitam retains a 13 000‑pound payload capacity, a maximum unrefueled range of roughly 6 500 nautical miles and a service ceiling above 45 000 feet, allowing it to loiter for extended periods over distant theatres. Its mission suite includes a sophisticated ELINT antenna array, multi‑mode radar, secure satellite communications and a fully networked command‑and‑control suite. The cabin can be rapidly reconfigured for electronic warfare, maritime patrol or diplomatic transport.

The aircraft’s blend of commercial reliability and bespoke military systems has made the Eitam a cornerstone of Israel’s strategic ISR capability, influencing other nations to pursue similar “business‑jet‑derived” platforms for modern surveillance missions.

Gulfstream Aerospace

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Design & Classification