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
PTC rectangle

"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
Gulfstream banner
Military medics trial AI for the battlefield

Defence

Military medics trial AI for the battlefield

26 March 2026

Scientists from the UK and the US have tested and explored what it would take for medics to delegate high-stakes decisions to AI on the battlefield.

UK and US seek solutions to counter underwater drone threat

Defence

UK and US seek solutions to counter underwater drone threat

26 March 2026

The US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is seeking technology to counter unmanned underwater vehicle threats, for which UK companies can apply, with solutions assessed by jHub, for potential UK defence use.

MGI enhances engineering capability with F1 expertise

Defence

MGI enhances engineering capability with F1 expertise

26 March 2026

Witney based MGI Engineering (MGI) has bolstered its engineering capability with two key hires with F1 expertise to strengthen its capabilities and drive its growth in defence and other sectors.

UK to provide training and support for Turkish Typhoons

Defence

UK to provide training and support for Turkish Typhoons

26 March 2026

The UK Government has reached a major defence agreement with the Republic of Türkiye to provide training and support equipment and services for its recently ordered Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Serco to support British Army’s marine assets fleet

Defence

Serco to support British Army’s marine assets fleet

25 March 2026

Serco has been awarded a seven-year contract to provide in-service support for the British Army’s fleet of 512 marine vessels.

Rowden hosts British Army to explore operational tech delivery

Defence Events

Rowden hosts British Army to explore operational tech delivery

25 March 2026

British engineering firm Rowden hosted a visit by British Army Sergeant Majors to explore how collaboration between engineers and soldiers helps shape and deliver operational technology.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner