Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Horizon Technologies awarded Transformational Xtender SIGINT Technology Patent

Defence Security

Horizon Technologies awarded Transformational Xtender SIGINT Technology Patent

Horizon Technologies was issued a patent (US 10,727,932 B2) by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on 28th July 2020, covering the company's fundamental Xtender technology, which allows the smallest UAVs and CubeSats to detect, geolocate and intercept Sat Phone communications, remotely, from a miniature software-defined radio.

Image courtesy Horizon Technologies

It is Horizon Technologies’ 2nd registered patent. John Beckner, CEO, stated: “This new patent for our transformational Xtender technology represents a key milestone for Horizon Technologies. Xtender enables the users of even the smallest UAVs to have the same Sat Phone SIGINT capability of larger UAVS and manned aircraft.

Advertisement
ODU RT

"Even more importantly, our patented Xtender technology is one of the building blocks of our Amber CubeSat constellation and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) space-based intelligence system. Our Amber CubeSat constellation, will not only have the ability to geolocate L-band emitters like Sat Phones, but actually allow for the real-time demodulation of the signals. This capability is unique in the emerging field of LEO (Low Earth Orbit) CubeSat-driven SIGINT.

“We also believe that the issuance of this patent enhances Horizon Technologies’ ability to attract financial and industry strategic partners to help further the company’s continuing profitable growth.”

Reading based Horizon Technologies - which also has offices in the USA - provides airborne satellite phone monitoring systems for ISR applications, equipping governments worldwide by enhancing their SIGINT capabilities. They are the OEM for the FlyingFish system which is flying on numerous ISR aircraft worldwide. FlyingFish systems fly daily on missions for NATO and FRONTEX.

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

 

 


 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Babcock Announces Capability Centre Location in Heart of Plymouth

Defence

Babcock Announces Capability Centre Location in Heart of Plymouth

2 April 2026

Babcock International Group (Babcock), the defence company, has today confirmed the location for its new Capability Centre in Plymouth - a major milestone in plans to relocate up to 2,000 highly skilled employees into the heart of the city.

Saab secures UK order for Giraffe 1X radar

Defence

Saab secures UK order for Giraffe 1X radar

2 April 2026

Saab UK has received an order from the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the compact radar system Giraffe 1X.

MGI conducts first TigerShark flights with Auterion

Aerospace Defence Security

MGI conducts first TigerShark flights with Auterion

2 April 2026

MGI Engineering Ltd (MGI) has announced the successful first flights of its TigerShark uncrewed deep strike platform, in partnership with Auterion.

Rolls-Royce secures German Puma propulsion contract

Defence

Rolls-Royce secures German Puma propulsion contract

2 April 2026

Rolls-Royce Power Systems has secured one of the largest defence contracts in its history, for around 200 new mtu PowerPacks featuring the 10V 890 engine for the Bundeswehr’s Puma infantry fighting vehicle.

Advertisement
ODU RT
UK and France to develop next-gen air-to-air missile

Defence

UK and France to develop next-gen air-to-air missile

1 April 2026

The United Kingdom and France have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to conduct a joint study into the development of a successor to the Meteor missile, one of the world's most advanced beyond-visual-range air-to-air weapons.

Solar array to be installed at Bassingbourn Barracks

Defence Events

Solar array to be installed at Bassingbourn Barracks

1 April 2026

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), working with Custom Solar on behalf of the British Army, held a ground-breaking ceremony for a new solar array at Bassingbourn Barracks.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner