The LFK missiles division of Daimler-Benz Aerospace (Dasa) has been selected by Eurocopter Deutschland and the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) to install its missile-launch detection system (MILDS) on the NH Industries NH90 helicopter.
The contract to develop and adapt the MILDS AN/AAR-60 system to the NH90 is worth a total DM5.3 million ($3 million).
The detector will be part of the helicopter's electronic-warfare system, alongside radar and laser-warning devices. The overall system is being developed by a consortium of Dasa's Ulm-based defence and civil-systems division, Thomson-CSF of France and Elettronica of Italy.
The MILDS system, based on an ultra-violet imaging sensor, can detect and locate incoming missiles, calculating the moment of impact. The system automatically triggers countermeasures such as flare release, infra-red jamming or an evasive manoeuvre.
The MILDS is also under consideration as part of Dasa's upgrade programme for German air force C-160 Transall transports.
Source: Flight International
