US fractional-ownership operator NetJets may equip some of its longer-range business jets with Elta's Flight Guard system to provide protection against shoulder- launched surface-to-air missiles, according to Israeli sources. The system is based on directional sensors that detect missile launches and activate infrared-flare dispensers.
Sources at Elta's parent company, Israel Aircraft Industries, confirm that NetJets is negotiating a possible deal, and say the US Federal Aviation Administration has been approached about certification of the system, the military version of which has already been installed on a number of VIP aircraft. The Israeli firm believes the Flight Guard can be certificated by the third quarter of 2003.
BAESystems' AAQ-204 Matador infrared jammer is available as an option on the Gulfstream IV-SP business jet, and certification is pending on the Gulfstream V and G550(formerly GV-SP). Both types are operated by NetJets.
Source: Flight International
