CRAIG HOYLE / ULM
European collaborative venture develops twin-laser system, also suitable for helicopters, to repel heat-seeking missiles
First details have been released of a new self-protection system under development for use by large transport aircraft and helicopters. Dubbed the flying laser self-protection system against heat-seeking missiles, or Flash, the design is the result of a collaborative company-funded venture between Diehl Munitions systeme, EADS Defence Electronics and Thales.
The turret-housed Flash uses a tracking laser to autonomously detect and illuminate an incoming infrared-guided missile, following its initial identification by the host aircraft's missile warning systems. Once tracking the threat, the system activates a second laser to jam, blind and damage sensors within the missile seeker by using repeated bursts of high-powered infrared energy.
Airbus Military's A400M transport is a potential host platform for the new directed infrared countermeasures system, which is also intended for use with other widebodied aircraft and large helicopters. Two turrets are required to provide full spherical coverage against missile threats, says EADS. Benefits of the new design include its low false- alarm rate and the removal of safety issues associated with the deployment of flares, it says.
The twin-laser system has already undergone limited ground testing against missile seekers, and is awaiting approval later this year to advance under a collaborative contract to be concluded with France's DGA procurement agency and its German counterpart, the BWB. While noting that the Flash system's turret design is fairly mature, EADS concedes: "We have a long way to go to get a fieldable system." The next project phase is expected to focus on reducing the turret's size and reducing the system's current high cost.
EADS calculates that more than 40% of current anti-air missiles use infrared guidance, and says short-range heat-seeking man-portable surface-to-air missile systems pose the greatest threat to aircraft. This assessment is supported by recent missile launches which resulted in damage to US Air Force Lockheed C-5 Galaxy and Boeing C-17 transport aircraft taking off from Baghdad International airport in Iraq.
Source: Flight International
