Elbit, Electronica in joint development of systems to defend aircraft
Governments are casting about for affordable and effective systems to defend civilian aircraft from shoulder-mounted missiles; two companies with experience in the field have joined hands to offer a solution
Interesting news from the International Paris Air Show now taking place at Le Bourget: Elbit Systems used the occasion to announce that its subsidiary, Rehovot, Israel-based Elbit Systems Electro-Optics Elop (Elop) and Rome, Italy-based Elettronica S.p.A. will cooperate and complete the joint development of advanced DIRCM (Direct Infra-Red Counter-Measures) systems aimed to protect helicopters and wide-bodied aircraft from low-altitude attack by shoulder-mounted heat-seeking missiles.
Both companies already have much experience in infrared countermeasures. Elettronica was one of the field’s pioneers in the early1980s, and Elbit has a history of providing advanced electro-optic digital technologies for both military and space applications.
DIRCM systems are mainly intended to protect helicopters and larger fixed-wing aircraft during take-off and landing. , against the so-called portable heat-seeking missiles. These arms, beyond their combat applications, are considered to pose a potential terrorist risk for civilian aviation as well.
The solution the two companies will jointly offer is based on MUSIC (Multi-Spectral Counter MANPADS System), an advanced laser-based DIRCM protection system which integrates laser technology with a small, dynamic turret to provide protection under all operational conditions. The system can operate with most types of Missile Approach Warning Systems (MAWS) and can be integrated into Defensive Aids Sub Systems (DASS). Note that the companies will offer systems solutions based on the technology for both military and civilian use, with marketing already underway and the first systems expected to be delivered by the end of 2008.
