EADS Defence Electronics is supplying AN/AAR-60 missile launch detection system (MILDS) sensors to the Australian department of defence to equip SA70A Blackhawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters as part of the ongoing 'Echidna project', and for Australian AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft. The contract, awarded in May 2005, was worth $12 million.
The MILDS system is already in the Australian department of defence inventory on the ARH Tiger and will be integrated on the NH90 , which is called the MRH90 in Australian service.
MILDS is based on an advanced, passive imaging sensor which detects and tracks the UV emissions of approaching missiles and provides full coverage, a low false alarm rate and maximum warning time, to allow the effective deployment of appropriate countermeasures.
EADS has developed a UV missile warning system for fast jet aircraft, known as AN/AAR-60(V)-2, MILDS-F, and this is currently being integrated into Danish air force F-16s.
Source: Flight Daily News
