The attempted attack with a shoulder-held missile on an El Al aircraft as it took off set a chilling new worry for the air transport industry. But at Le Bourget this week, an Israeli company will be showing carriers a new device that will be music to their ears.
Elop Electro-Optics Industries (El-Op), a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems (displaying in the Israeli Pavilion), has completed a critical stage in the development of a breakthrough system designed to protect civilian aircraft from shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles.
The Multi-Spectral Infrared Countermeasure (MUSIC) is the system designed to overcome this increasing threat.
Incorporating El-Op's expertise in the development and deployment of increasingly advanced laser sources, infrared cameras (FLIRs), gimbals, system integration and aircraft installation, MUSIC provides first-of-a-kind protection against shoulder-fired missiles.
At the heart of the system is a new laser technology, pioneered by El-Op in an intensive development programme dedicated to this application. MUSIC works by emitting a narrow laser beam toward the missile and jamming the guidance system.
Unique
An Elbit spokesman says the new laser is unique for several reasons. First, its jamming ability is based on a laser developed specifically for this purpose. Second, MUSIC is able to counter a wide range of missiles. Third, the electro-optic jamming unit is compatible with a variety of missile warning systems, including radar and electro-optic based systems, assuring a high degree of flexibility in adapting MUSIC to specific customer requirements. Fourth, because of its small dimensions, it has no effect on the performance, drag, fuel consumption or maintenance costs of an aircraft - major bottom-line benefits.
MUSIC is inherently safe, as it is based on eye-safe electro-optics, rather than flares. This is a particularly important factor in receiving FAA and other civil aviation authority certification.
Source: Flight Daily News
