Naval air surveillance poses different requirements than land-based ATC. Therefore, Intersoft Electronics offers a range of Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) solutions, designed to meet the demands of modern naval operations.
Our technology supports NATO standards and enables high-precision identification, even in challenging maritime environments. Discover our full range of IFF integration solutions and products below.
IFF Antenna Products
We offer advanced IFF antenna products, specifically engineered for naval environments. They are designed to ensure reliable identification and eliminate signal interference, even under the challenging conditions of sea-based operations. Whether space-saving or compact in form, these antennas ensure seamless integration on modern frigates, naval ships, and smaller boats.
L-IESA® NR-IFF
Non-Rotating, Electronically Steered IFF Array
The L-IESA® NR-IFF is a modular, non-rotating antenna system developed specifically for larger naval vessels, such as frigates and capital war-ships. Designed to wrap around a ship’s mast, it frees up critical space at the top of the main mast for other essential systems. Its advanced beam steering and electronic levelling ensure consistent performance — even in rough sea conditions.
Compatible with any MSSR or STANAG/AIMS certified IFF interrogator
Supports IFF Mode 1, 2, 3/A, C, S, ADS-B and Mode 5 Level 1 and 2
Seamlessly integrates with any Combat Management System on board
The L-IESA® Mini is a smart IFF antenna that eliminates signal interference from ship structures. It provides directional coverage, allows the transponder installation to comply with NATO Mode 5 standards, and ensures ships remain identifiable at all times. Its flexible installation options make it ideal for a wide range of naval platforms.
Directional signal pattern prevents self-interference and eliminates coverage gaps
Deployed on vessels of the German and Portuguese Navy
Developed in response to modern cybersecurity and NATO information protection requirements, our IFF cabinet provides a secure physical environment for sensitive identification systems on naval vessels. Originally designed for the German Navy, this solution is setting a new standard for electromagnetic shielding and data protection across allied fleets.
IFf Cabinet
Advanced shielding for secure naval operations
At the heart of this cabinet is the IFF interrogator, which manages the transition from external, unclassified signals to classified NATO processing, a so-called security class domain transition. This process carries cybersecurity risks and potential electromagnetic leakage.The cabinet mitigates that risk by acting as a ‘crypto chamber’, providing physical and signal-level protection.
Provides >80 dB shielding across a wide frequency range
Features a stainless-steel Faraday cage inside a standard electronics rack
Uses RF-to-optical signal conversion for added isolation
‘Cabinet-in-a-cabinet’ design to achieve layered shielding
Compliant with NATO TEMPEST standard SDIP 27 Level A
Transponder remote control unit
The Transponder Remote Control Unit (TRCU) is a system specifically designed to control IFF transponders over a local network and interpret data from serially connected devices. It provides full control of the IFF transponder system and allows operators to understand the operational status of each unit. One of its key benefits is that it operates as a non-critical component, meaning it does not interfere with or impact the core functionality of the IFF transponder system.
Key features
Control and Monitoring via TRCU API: The TRCU employs the custom-developed TRCU client in conjunction with the ASTERIX Cat253 protocol to command IFF transponders via a local network in an IT secure manner. Using a white-list of commands, the dedicated Command and Control connection provides a secure TCP/IP based, open standard network interface. This interface also allows to visualize the operational status of each LRU in the transponder system.
Setting Transponder parameters: The TRCU API allows to set all Mode code parameters of any modern IFF Transponder. In addition, all Modes, Mode S Squitter and Mode 5 Level 2 squitter can be individually activated and de-activated.
Time Synchronization: A crucial parameter for the correct Mode 5 function is a secure and precise synchronization of time between the platform and the Mode 5 transponder and Crypto. The TRCU offers different ways to provide and synchronize time with the platform and feeds the Transponder via its native ARINC-429 interface.
Platform Position Synchronization: The TRCU extracts positional data using the NMEA (or other) protocols and uses the transponders ARINC-429 interface to send it the platform position.
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