SkyCnet: an ISR revolution by RT LTA Systems and Creomagic

On the occasion of DEFEA 2025 in Athens, RT LTA Systems and Creomagic announced SkyCnet, an integrated solution designed to transform the landscape of tactical communications and persistent surveillance. The alliance between the two companies combines RT's experience in combat-proven aerostatic systems with Creomagic's advanced radio technologies, creating an ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) platform capable of operating 24/7 even in the most complex environments.

"One of the main problems in the field is describing the surrounding situation to soldiers," said Rami Shmueli, CEO of RT. The proposed solution is as innovative as it is practical: installing a system composed of a camera and radio on an aerostat to create a tactical communication bubble above the operational theater. Real-time visual information, combined with constant connectivity between units, enhances situational awareness and enables quick and informed decision-making.

"SkyCnet was developed to precisely meet the critical needs of tactical forces," said Alex Shapochnik, CEO of Creomagic. "By combining secure communications with persistent ISR, the system aims to be a force multiplier for high-risk operations, from national defense to border security."

Technical Architecture – SkyStar™ and CreoHub MANET Radio

At the heart of the SkyCnet solution is RT's SkyStar™ 120 aerostat, a highly mobile micro-system, ideal for company or squad-level operations. With a diameter of 3.4 meters and an endurance of up to 8 hours, it can be launched in about 15-20 minutes by a team of two operators. It is capable of operating up to 300 meters in height and withstands winds of 35 knots, maintaining stability and operational continuity.

The payload can reach up to 4 kg and includes a stabilized day/night camera for 360° visual coverage, in addition to Creomagic's CreoHub radio module, available in Light (1W) and Pro (10W) configurations. The radios operate in UHF, L, S, and C bands, use AES256 encryption, and offer transmission speeds of 20 and 80 Mbps respectively, with autonomy of up to 12 hours. Their lightweight (430-620 g) makes them perfect for integration on SkyStar™ aerostats.

SkyCnet leverages a MANET (Mobile Ad-Hoc Network) architecture, allowing the creation of a dynamic and autonomous network, capable of adapting to battlefield variations. The collected data – including live video streams and geospatial information – is shared in real-time, even in beyond line-of-sight scenarios or under electronic warfare (EW) threat. Coverage is guaranteed on all types of terrain: urban, maritime, desert, day or night.

Operational Applications and Strategic Impact

SkyCnet is designed to tackle a wide range of operational scenarios: defense, national security, UN missions, border protection, public order, and humanitarian crisis management. The platform's versatility allows its use in both military and civilian contexts, making it a fundamental resource for any rapid intervention force.

The strategic value of SkyCnet lies in its ability to extend operational reach, maintain connectivity even in infrastructure-lacking environments, and ensure uninterrupted surveillance and communications 24/7. In hostile environments, the autonomy, network resilience, and transmission speed provide an operational advantage that can make the difference between mission success and failure.

Rami Shmueli highlighted how the solution is perfectly aligned with current challenges: "Our partnership allows us to provide tailored systems for maritime missions, border security, and HLS (Homeland Security), elements increasingly crucial in the current geopolitical context." The integration of RT and Creomagic technologies translates into an unprecedented ability to collect, transmit, and exploit data in real-time, securely and continuously.

In summary, SkyCnet is not just cutting-edge technology, but a true information superiority system. It offers operators on the ground not only additional eyes but also a private, autonomous, and secure network capable of connecting men, vehicles, and sensors in a single tactical architecture. A flexible, expandable network infrastructure ready to support the challenges of the present and future.