IDEX 2013: Selex solution to missile threats against aircraft and helicopters

 

Miysis is the pinnacle of DIRCM capability, and builds on Selex ES’ long and extremely successful history of delivering world-leading DIRCM equipment. This uses the latest generation of technology, in a readily exportable format, and is suitable for air platforms and customers where DIRCM protection was not previously available.

The global threat from IR weapons, and especially the easily portable and widely available shoulder-launched weapons known as MANPADS, continues to grow. These threats have been used with lethal effect in every major conflict over the past 40 years, and as they become more sophisticated, the traditional defence mechanisms such as countermeasure flares are increasingly less effective. Today, no military, VIP or civilian air platform is immune from a potentially lethal attack, and DIRCM systems have become recognised as essential to airborne survivability, Selex said. The Miysis DIRCM system protects the host aircraft and its occupants by accurately locating and tracking the inbound threat, and then directing a modulated laser beam to attack and defeat the missile. It can operate independently and autonomously as a stand-alone equipment, or can be the cornerstone of a wider Defensive Aids System.

Selex ES has had decades of experience in the fields of DIRCM pointer/trackers and airborne lasers. This is all brought together in Miysis DIRCM.

First, to be suitable for light aircraft, smaller helicopters and UAVs, Miysis DIRCM had to be small, lightweight and draw very low power from the host aircraft whilst providing optimum protection. In practice this meant designing a complete detection and protection system capable of all-aspect (spherical) defence that would draw less than 500 Watts of electrical power and add less than 50kg to the host aircraft.

Second, this small package had to deliver enough laser power onto a threat missile target to protect the largest strategic aircraft and support helicopters. This demanded advanced laser technology, superior threat tracking accuracy and ultra-efficient direct laser coupling instead of fibre-optic links.

Finally, Miysis DIRCM had to engage any IR MANPAD threat immediately after launch, regardless of the range from which it was fired. For the most demanding, very short-range attacks, this required exceptional response speed with very few moving parts.

Open architecture ensures ease of installation onto platforms previously considered unsuitable for a DIRCM and the system is designed to work with a range of missile warning technologies. With the moving parts sealed behind a 5.5 inch dome,

 The system is on show in a podded format throughout IDEX at Stand B07 in Hall 06.