Elbit Systems has been awarded a contract from an undisclosed Asian nation to provide mini-Music directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) systems for its army’s fleet of Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopters.
Adi Dar, general manager of Elbit’s Elop division, says the deal marks the inclusion of a new type to the broad portfolio of platforms already equipped with Music-family countermeasure systems. The contract will be completed in 2015.
Elbit’s Music range has been ordered by numerous customers worldwide. The system is also utilised by Israel’s programme to protect its domestic airlines’ commercial jets, including the Boeing 737, 747, 757, 767 and 777, and the Airbus A320.
Other confirmed buyers include the Italian air force, which has fitted the system to its Alenia Aermacchi C-27J and Lockheed Martin C-130J transports, as well as combat search-and-rescue-roled AgustaWestland AW101s.
Brazil will introduce the DIRCM technology with its Embraer KC-390, and Germany on the Airbus A400M Atlas. Versions of the Music system have also been ordered for VIP transport aircraft and helicopters.
Initial detection of an incoming threat is provided by a missile warning system. If the host aircraft is at risk, the DIRCM system directs a thermal tracker to acquire and track the missile, before a laser beam is fired at the weapon’s seeker head, causing it to be deflected away from the aircraft.
Source: Flight International
