Manufacturers and pilots unite against self-protection system on cost grounds and call for broader security solutions
Aircraft manufacturers and pilots unions are preparing to lobby policy makers in Europe and the USA against mandating existing missile self-protection systems for airliners, say industry sources familiar with the plans.
All are likely to argue against the action on cost grounds, and are expected to press instead for more systemic solutions that address broader security issues, including defence against other types of missiles and weapons - not just against the heat-seeking missiles that the proposed systems aim to defeat. The sources say Boeing internal studies suggest a notional programme to equip 6,000 aircraft could cost over $100 billion, 10 times the estimate put forward by protagonists.
Sources familiar with the Boeing study warn that "hidden" factors not yet considered by proponents of the scheme have now been included to reveal what Boeing believes is the true cost of implementation. Among the considerations are the need to raise the effectiveness, reliability and supportability of infrared missile countermeasures systems to acceptable commercial standards.
The company is believed to be advocating a more complete approach similar to the network-centric warfare-based Future Combat Systems under development for the US Army. Boeing is understood to have contacted several companies over the feasibility of ground-based anti-missile systems clustered around terminal areas, approaches and airport airspace. The systems would be networked with other search and surveillance assets.
It is thought Boeing favours a broader approach to aircraft defence because it believes the solution would help protect against attacks from wire-, television- and radar-guided missiles as well as rocket propelled grenades and heavy machine guns located close to airports, although the US manufacturer declines to comment on its views.
Airbus says the issue of equipping aircraft with countermeasures is a matter for governments and customers, but warns that existing protection systems were built for military use and will not transfer well to civil aircraft or into airline areas of expertise. The International Federation of Airline Pilots Associations says it would like protection against missiles but is not aware of any existing countermeasures systems that will assure it.
Source: Flight International