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
General Atomics LB
QinetiQ facility to enhance UK submarine maintenance

Defence

QinetiQ facility to enhance UK submarine maintenance

25 June 2026

QinetiQ’s additive manufacturing expertise will support the rapid maintenance of the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet through a new onsite facility at HM Naval Base Clyde.

100th Boxer delivered to MoD

Defence

100th Boxer delivered to MoD

25 June 2026

The UK's Boxer programme has reached a significant milestone, with the 100th Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle delivered to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

CGI awarded MoD SOTERIA contract

Defence

CGI awarded MoD SOTERIA contract

25 June 2026

CGI has been awarded the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) SOTERIA contract, which will help underpin UK Electromagnetic Warfare Operational Support (EWOS) capabilities.

DVD2026 launches SME Zone

Defence Events

DVD2026 launches SME Zone

24 June 2026

For the first time, the UK biennial defence industry exhibition DVD2026 - being held 16th and 17th September at UTAC Millbrook - is removing barriers to entry for small businesses, with the introduction of a dedicated SME Zone.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Digital Twin solutions set to deliver on UK-wide industrial transformation

Aerospace Defence Security

Digital Twin solutions set to deliver on UK-wide industrial transformation

24 June 2026

Digital Catapult has concluded its inaugural Digital Twin Adoption Accelerator which showcased cutting-edge digital twin solutions developed by nine small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the UK.

Rollestone Camp investment supports welfare of training troops

Defence

Rollestone Camp investment supports welfare of training troops

24 June 2026

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), together with Landmarc and regional construction specialist Knights Brown Construction, has delivered a new £7 million kitchen facility at Rollestone Camp.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB