DHS widens technology net while laser-based systems are readied for flight tests
With flight testing of laser jammers on widebody airliners about to begin, developers of cheaper flare-based systems are making a push to break into the potential market to protect commercial aircraft from terrorist missile attack.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had rejected flares on safety and effectiveness grounds, selecting more expensive directed infrared countermeasures (DIRCM). But it now plans to fund demonstrations of alternative technologies, which could include flare-based systems.
BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman expected to begin flying rival commercial DIRCMs in late August/early September under Phase 2 of the DHS Counter-Manpads programme. BAE is installing its system on an American Airlines Boeing 767-200, while Northrop’s podded DIRCM is fitted to a FedEx Express Boeing MD-11, with a Northwest Airlines Boeing 747-200 to follow later this year. US Federal Aviation Administration supplemental type certification is planned by year-end.
The DHS is seeking $110 million in fiscal year 2006 to procure 16 more DIRCM systems and modify 20 more aircraft operated by US cargo carriers to evaluate the technology’s reliability and maintainability in revenue service.
About $10 million of the requested funding is earmarked for demonstration of alternative technologies, which could include flare-based self-protection systems for airliners or ground-based high-energy laser or high-power microwave weapons for airports.
Israel’s civil avation authority is about to certificate the Flight Guard flare-based system developed by Israel Aircraft Industries subsidiary Elta. This uses pulse-Doppler missile warning sensors and “dark flares” – invisible to the naked eye – supplied by Israel Military Industries. The system was tested on an Elta-owned Boeing 737 in July, and will be installed on an El Al aircraft after certification.
Miami-based Aviation Protection Systems will market the system in the USA. “Their main job will be to convince an American carrier to install the system, which will bring it to the FAA for approval,” says an Israeli industry source. Flight Guard is installed on VIP aircraft in Angola and an unidentified CIS state.
A flare-based system developed by L-3 Avisys has operated for 18 months on a Jordanian head-of-state Airbus A340. The system combines Thales ultraviolet and EADS pulse-Doppler missile warning sensors to eliminate false alarms.
GRAHAM WARWICK/WASHINGTON DC & ARIE EGOZI.TEL AVIV
Source: Flight International
