G550 CAEW

G550 CAEW is an airborne early warning and control platform based on the Gulfstream G550 business jet. The EL/W-2085 system is described as an IAI/ELTA multi-band AEW&C radar system, and current defense reporting links G550 special-mission aircraft to the CAEW/Oron family. The Israeli configuration, known as Eitam, uses a business-jet airframe to carry conformal radar arrays and mission systems for wide-area surveillance and command support.

The G550 CAEW design differs from older rotating-dome AEW aircraft. It uses conformal antenna fairings on a fast, efficient business-jet platform, reducing drag and allowing high-altitude, long-endurance operations. Mission systems provide air and maritime surveillance, identification, data fusion, and command-and-control support. This makes it smaller than E-3-class aircraft but still highly capable for countries that need AEW coverage without a large four-engine platform.

Operationally, the G550 CAEW gives air forces a mobile radar and command node. Israel uses it to support air defense and strike coordination, while export customers have used the same platform concept to replace older Hawkeye or fill AEW gaps. The aircraft's value is network effect: fighters, ground radars, and commanders become more effective when a high-altitude sensor can detect, classify, and share tracks over long distances.