Israel's Rafael may co-operate with rival Elbit Systems, as the former plans the first airborne test of its Britening system for the third quarter of 2004.
Britening consists of ultraviolet sensors to detect a missile's launch and a gimballed turret to track trajectory and transmit a false target. Elbit's multi-spectral infrared countermeasure (MUSIC) emits a narrow laser beam which jams a missile's guidance system, causing it to veer off course and miss the aircraft. Israeli defence sources say that Rafael may link with Elbit Systems as the laser radiator may increase the capability of the Britening.
The Israeli CAA is working on the certification of the Elta/IMI Flight Guard system based on decoy flares, to be fitted on up to 10 passenger aircraft.
Source: Flight International
