RT

Company Overview

Snapshot

Founded in January 1996, RT is a mature company with 11–50 employees, specializing in aerostat systems. In July 2022, the company repurchased shares previously held by Aeronautics, indicating a strategic realignment.

Business overview

RT designs, develops, and manufactures the Skystar family of aerostats, which are lighter-than-air aircraft used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and communications. These systems cater to military and civilian applications requiring continuous and compact aerial support in prevent-prepare-respond-recover settings. RT's offerings include a self-contained, versatile, and easily transportable tactical system comprising a mobile control station, ground system module, tether, lighter-than-air platform, stabilized payload platform, and a sophisticated sensor suite. The company operates within the Aerospace, Defense & HLS sector, serving markets that demand advanced security and surveillance solutions.

Strategic signal

In July 2022, RT repurchased shares from Aeronautics, a move that signals a strategic re-evaluation of its partnerships and a potential shift towards greater independence in its operational and market strategies. This action suggests RT is consolidating its ownership and control, which could enable more agile decision-making and direct pursuit of its market objectives in the surveillance and defense sectors.

Company Intelligence Q&A

What was a significant operational change for RT in 2022?

In July 2022, RT repurchased shares of the company previously held by Aeronautics. This decision was made due to a strategic gap that emerged between the two companies following Aeronautics' sale to Rafael.

When did RT inaugurate its new headquarters and what was the impact?

In December 2019, RT inaugurated its new headquarters in Yavne, Israel, which is three times larger than its previous offices. This expansion included an upgraded assembly line, enabling the company to offer its aerostat systems at a 20-25% lower price and target new civilian markets.

What new product did RT LTA Systems introduce in 2018?

In November 2018, RT LTA Systems introduced the SkyStar 120, a new micro-tactical aerostat system designed for real-time reconnaissance. The system was demonstrated to the Israel Defense Forces and prepared for operational use.

What was a key development for RT's subsidiary, Aero-T, in 2018?

In January 2018, Aero-T, a subsidiary of RT LTA, completed the development and production of the SkyGuard1 aerostat system. This system is capable of carrying payloads up to 90 kg and operating continuously for 14 days.

Which major customer approved the purchase of RT's Skystar 180 in 2015?

In March 2015, the US Army approved the purchase of the Skystar 180, a surveillance aerostat produced by RT. The device passed annual Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE) tests and is designed for surveillance over fixed sites.