PDF - Armada International
Transcription
PDF - Armada International
Transport Aircraft Self Protection Transport Aircraft Self-Protection In the weeks that preceded the launch of air operations over Libya, a number of Nato countries, reportedly Germany, Great Britain and Italy, deployed Transall C160s and C130Js in challenging missions inside Libyan territory, landing on strips and airfields near oil camps to extract national and international citizens and workers. The British and Italian C-130Js (the Italians landed on Sabha airport around 640 km south of Tripoli) flew in a fast evolving theatre of operations, characterized by a variety of air defence surveillance radars, electromagnetic and infrared missiles, without threat detection systems. 26 INTERNATIONAL 3/2013 The C-Music is a complete self-protection solution, here under a B707 based on an aerodynamic pod incorporating both Elisra Paws missile warner andJ-Music DIRCM. (Elbit Elop) Since the late Soviet era years the manportable missile threat has evolved through four generations: The Russian SA-7A Strela-2 e SA-7B Strela-2M, the Chinese HN-5A, the Pakistani Anza Mk1 and the American FIM-43 Redeye (the Block II has a gascooled seeker positioning it between 1st and 2nd generation) belong to the 1st generation equipped with an uncooled seekers, characterized by a rotating rectangular field of view (FoV) with a single detector element, which led to their increased inaccuracy as they neared the target, or in tail-chase configurations, not to mention their vulnerability to flares. The FIM-92A Stinger Basic, the Strela2M/A, SA-14 Strela-3, the Chinese HN-5B, QW-1, FN-6, the Pakistani Anza Mk II and the Iranian Misagh-1 are 2nd generation weapons equipped with a cooled detector and a conical scanning search technique, which eliminates the above mentioned inaccuracies. They feature all-aspect capabilities, some resistance to flares and offer relatively higher single-shot kill probability. The 3rd generation, to which the American FIM-92B/C/E Stinger Post/RMP/Block I, the Russian SA-16 Igla-1, SA-18 Igla and SA-24 Igla-S, the Polish Grom-1/2, the Chinese QW-11/18/2, FN-16, the Pakistani Anza Mk III and the Iranian Misagh-2 belong together with the (then) Matra Mistral 1 and 2 systems, are characterized by their cooled, dual-channel IR or combined IR/UV detector with a rosette scanning a very narrow FOV pattern (also known as quasiimaging) providing all-aspect engagement, high resistance to flares, better unfavourable conditions discrimination capabilities and high single-shot kill probabilities. The 4th generation includes the Japanese Kin-SAM Type 91 and the Chinese QW-4 that are equipped with full-imaging IR seekers that yield very high resistance to flares and decoys. Command to line-ofsight and beam-riding missiles like the Blowpipe, Javelin and Starburst belong to a different league. Until the 1990s, to protect low-speed tactical and strategic transport aircraft generating a large heat signature and radar cross section, a typical EW suite would have included a radar warning receiver (RWR), a passive ultraviolet missile warning system (MWS) and a countermeasures (chaff/flare) dispensing system (CMDS), although some platforms modified to conduct a variety of missions for special forces, combat search and rescue and command and control, psychological and electronic intelligence gathering missions, were however equipped with a more robust EW suite. However, the advent of new-generation weapons sparked off the need for improved suites, ranging from advanced MWS to new flares and flare patterns, in addition to fixed and, later directional, infrared countermeasures now known as Dircm. Flares have been used as countermeasures Luca Peruzzi A mongst the eagerly awaited weapons on the ground in Libya were the latest and most effective man-portable missiles, namely the SA-18 Igla and SA-24 Igla-S. These became a prime target of recovery operations by American and Nato forces at the end of the conflict, as unknown quantities of these missiles were purloined out of Libya to enlarge the illegal market that feeds terrorist organizations and paramilitary forces. The Libyan crisis was the last one in a series of conflicts (starting with the Balkans wars) in which transport aircraft were required to operate in enclaves surrounded by hostile forces and well within range of radar and infrared guided weapons. The threat remained high not only for the military but also for the civilian fleets. The Airbus A400M strategic transport aircraft (here seen in a photomontage) is being equipped with a baseline protection suite including Indra’s ALR400M RWR/ESM, Miras missile multi-colour infrared alerting sensor from Thales and Cassidian, and a Saphir 400 chaff and flare dispensing system from MBDA. (Airbus) INTERNATIONAL 3/2013 27 Transport Aircraft Self Protection for almost half a century to lure a manportable missile away from its target. They come in a large array of shapes and sizes and with a variety of functions and are designed to present a more attractive IR signature than that of the target. They may also be used to confuse the threat by saturating its processing or discrimination circuitry. A chemical energy source (pyrotechnic or pyrophoric in nature) is used to provide the required IR radiation. The main reactive pyrotechnic cartridge continues to be the legacy magnesium-teflon-viton (MTV)-based decoy. This first saw service during the Vietnam War, but has been continuously enhanced in terms of performance and safety. The introduction of dual-spectral flares however, caused the introduction of missile seekers able to discriminate radiation intensities and, as a consequence, to recognise and reject a standard MTV-based flare event. Propelled flares have been introduced to counter new IR missile seekers responding in a particular manner that enables them to discriminate between the relative proportional movement of the ‘target’ under propelled flight and the standard MTV flare, which basically freefalls when released from the aircraft. In addition 28 INTERNATIONAL 3/2013 The AAR-47B(V)2 is the latest evolution of ATK’s missile warner with hostile fire indicator (HFI) capabilities, designed to protect fixed and rotary wing platforms against infrared- guided missiles, laser-aided threats, small arms and rocket propelled grenades. (Luca Peruzzi) to area (as opposed to point source) and ballistically modified decoys, covert flares are pyrophoric (using metal foils that react and burn when exposed to air). Their advantage is that they are virtually unobservable to the naked eye, enabling aircraft not to reveal their position, as would be the case with MTV flares. Their disadvantage regards the fact they are mainly suitable for pre-emptive flaring, requiring the aircraft to carry additional reactive flares for complete protection. Specialized companies such as Alloy Surfaces, Armtec Defense, Chemring Countermeasures, Etienne Lacroix, IMI, Kilgore Flares, Rheinmetall Waffe Munitions and Wallop Defence Systems have developed a range of kinematic, propelled, spectrally adapted and spatially distributed flares, to be distributed in cocktails and patterns by ‘intelligent’ CMDS provided by companies such as ATK, BAE Systems, Kanfit, MBDA, Meggit Defense Systems, MES, Saab Electronic Defence Systems, Symetrics Industries, Terma and Thales to counter 2nd and 3rd generation seekers. State of the art passive missile warning systems are those that are able to detect the ultraviolet and infrared radiation emitted by a missile’s exhaust plume. Northrop Grumman and ATK are respectively providing AAR-54 and AAR-47 for fixed-wing platforms in service with US Air Force, Navy, Army and international customers, while outside, MWS prominent providers are Elisra Electronic Systems, Cassidian and Saab Electronic Defense Systems. Elisra provides Passive Missile Approach Warning System (Paws) IR focal-plane-array and the Paws 2 with twocolour IR warning system, while Cassidian offers the AAR-60 Milds and Saab the Maw300 UV-based MWSs. I DIRCMS GAINING POPULARITY The advent of new imaging infrared missile seekers that are more resistant to flares has accelerated the switch to the more drastic to laser-based Dircm systems, which can counter all known and projected IR-guided missile threats. Dircm system cost, maintenance and reliability concerns have limited their application in the past, but as laser technologies and miniaturization improve on the one hand and the threat becomes more sophisticated, larger fleets of transport and special platforms are now poised to be equipped with Dircm systems. Built by Northrop Grumman, the AAQ24(V) Laircm (Large Aircraft IR Countermeasures) is a derivate of the company’s earlier-vintage AAQ-24 Nemesis and has amassed until 2011 over one million flying hours with US and allied forces, the majority under deployment and combat conditions, with an operational availability of over 99%. Based on an open system, modular and highly reliable family suite, the Laircm consists of a Northrop Grumman AAR-54 ultra-violet MWS package, a number of point-tracker/jamming turrets with laser transmitter assembly unit, control interface unit and processors to detect, track, jam and counter incoming IR missiles. The number of sensors (up to six) and turrets (up to three) per aircraft is determined by the size and signature of the aircraft. Initially fielded on C-17s, its deployment later expanded to C130s, C5s Northrop Grumman Laircm suite is progressively migrating from small laser transmitter assembly (SLTA) turret to reduced-size and lighter GLTA (Guardian Laser Tramsitter Assembly) jam head, while AAR-54 ultraviolet warner is being replaced by NexGen two-colour infrared missile warning system. (Northrop Grumman) and new C130Js, including AC/EC/MC-130J. The Laircm is also being integrated on US Navy’ C40A Clipper transport as well as selected to equip P8A Poseidon ASW/ASuW and US Air Force KC46A tankers, while testing is underway on older Guardian-configured KC135s, but based on a self-contained, easily removable pods that carry all the electronics to manage both AAR-54 MWS and a single laser transmitter assembly turret. The Laircm is also fielded on board the RAF’s C17s, Tristars and soon Airbus A330 Voyageur PROVEN A-320HVA 20-Watt Handheld Vehicle Adapter $FFHSWV ZLGHO\ ¿HOGHG KDQGKHOG UDGLRV (includes variants) A-320V2 The only 20-watt, 30-512 MHz dismounted amp on the market that supports PR4G ON THE BATTLEFIELD A-7500 :DWW 0XOWLEDQG $PSOL¿HU Ultra-fast switching & RF independence Outstanding thermal performance www.ultralifecorporation.com 800.332.5000 | orders@ulbi.com Transport Aircraft Self Protection Northrop Grumman’s AAQ-24(V) Laircm is based on an open system architecture and the typical suite includes same company’s AAR-54 ultra-violet missile five-sensor warning suite, two point-tracker/jamming turrets, control and processor units weighing just over 90 kg. (Northrop Grumman) tankers, and it was recently ordered for the new Royal Air Force’s Airbus A400M airlifters. Being marketed under the government-to-government agreements through FMS, the Australian, together with Canadian Departments of Defence have selected or are fielding the system on board C130s, C17s and B737 Wedgetail AEW&C platforms. It also is fitted to Nato E3B Awacs. The Air Force Laircm Phase I system became operational in 2005. Its jam head is called the Small Laser Transmitter Assembly (SLTA). It uses the colourless eye-safe multiband Viper diode-pumped solid-state laser, developed by Fibertek, which operates in all three segments of the IR waveband used by heat-seeking missiles. The Laircm Phase II programme produced a smaller and lighter jam head, called the Guardian Laser Transmitter Assembly (GLTA), which Northrop Grumman began to deliver to the Air Force in late 2008 alongside the NexGen MWS. Selex Galileo, today Selex ES, has built all of the point-tracker jam heads for the Nemesis and Laircm programmes in Britain, as a key supplier to Northrop Grumman. The latter continues to produce both the SLTA and GLTA, based on customer requirements, while US Air Force is progressively replacing the SLTA with GLTA 30 INTERNATIONAL 3/2013 on a number of platforms, including the C17s. For the new special forces MC130J programme, the US Air Force provides a configuration with flush-mount turrets, GLTAs and NexGen MWS. In May 2012, the service authorized full-rate production of the new two-colour IR missile MWS to replace the original UV-sensor based AAR54. According to DoD documentation, the NexGen MWS offers increased probability of declaring actual missiles, lower false alarm rate and long-range detection. Moreover, with customized software on request, it can be used to enhance crew situational awareness by providing a 360° unobstructed IR view around the platform. Based on the joint agreement signed in 2007 between Elbit Systems and Elettronica to cooperate and complete the joint development of fibre laser technologybased Music Dircm family of systems aimed at the protection of both rotary and fixedwing civilian and military aircraft, Elettronica is working on a customized dual-turret ELT/572 suite for the Italian General Directorate of Armaments under a three-year €25,4 million contract awarded in December 2010, covering system development, ground and flight tests and certification. The dual-turret suite is to equip both in-service tactical transports (C130J, C27J) and new AW101 Combat Search & Rescue helicopters, though there is a follow-on requirement for B767A tanker and Government transport aircraft to be satisfied within different system configurations. Already successfully laboratory-tested by Elettronica and the Italian air force mounted on a rotary-wing platform in a single-turret test configuration against both emulated and real IR seeker head representatives, the system has begun ground and flight tests integrated with Cassidian’s Milds (AAR-60) ultraviolet MWS. These systems are already used by the Italian armed forces’ transport aircraft and rotary-wing platforms. The final dual turret/MWS configuration will be put through its paces in the second half of the year with a view to completing system qualification by the end of 2013. Deliveries of the first five dual turret suites are to begin in 2015, with contracts to be awarded for follow-on systems. Based on a fibre-optic laser operating in different infrared bands and providing a high level of jamming to target heat-signature intensity ratio power (J/S), each ELT/572 system – including jamming turret, laser generator and processor units – weighs 45kg. According to Elettronica, the system is ‘readily exportable’, not being affected by export limitations (ITAR regulation), and allows the customer to load proprietary laser jamming code libraries. The system has Elettronica developed and integrated a dualturret configuration of ELT-572 fibre-laser based Dircm, which is on-track to complete testing and trails within 2013. Based on a joint Elettronica-Elop Music system, the ELT-572 is to equip Italian military fixed and rotary wing assets. (Elettronica) Based on an the highly dynamic small spherical mirror turret (which differs from the squared Music turret), Elbit Elop’s J-Music features a distributed configuration for large aircraft in single/dual turret version. The J-Music is already contracted for Embraer’s KC-390. (Elbit ELOP) already attracted the interest of European and Middle East nations and has already been successfully tested by the German Ministry of Defence in July 2012 at WTD52 test facility in Oberjettenberg. Keeping Elettronica good company, Elbit Elops subsidiary is marketing the family of Music compact and lightweight fibre laser-based Dircm systems, which has already scored sales successes in Israel and abroad – notably in India for use on the Ministry of Defence’s AgustaWestland AW101. In addition to the Music solution offered for the protection of helicopters and small to medium fixed-wing turboprop aircraft, Elbit is promoting the J-Music and the C-Music. Based on a later, highly dynamic mirror turret version (instead of the Music’s facetted turret), the J-Music features a distributed configuration for the protection of large aircraft such as heavy airlifters, tankers and fast bizjets and can be had in a single or dual turret configuration and has already been selected for Embraer’s KC-390 tactical airlift program in Brazil. The C-Music for its part, is a complete selfprotection solution, based on aerodynamic pod incorporating both the Elbit Paws infrared missile warning system and the JMusic Dircm for a total weight of 160 kg. Especially designed for civilian and large business jets, the C-Music naturally meets commercial aircraft certification standards and has been selected by the Israeli Government for its airline fleet. According to Elbit, C-Music performed a series of successful flight tests on board a B707 in January 2012, while more recently according to other sources, it completed operational tests on an unspecified Heyl Ha’Avir platform. Such activities emerged after an SA-7 Strela was fired against an Israeli air force aircraft flying over the Gaza Strip in October 2012, raising strong suspicions of arms shipments from Libya, following Col Muammar Gaddafi’s regime collapse in 2011. Ten years ago, Indra in Spain decided to launch the Manta (Manpads Threat Avoidance) project to complement the selfprotection suite of military transport aircraft with the addition of a Dircm system. Today the Manta is qualified by the Spanish airworthiness authorities (Inta) for use on transport aircraft, after a challenging process proving its technology maturity, readiness and integration with the widely used Cassidian AAR-60 Milds. It proved its mettle during the SG2/NATO group’s Embow trials in Cazaux (France) in September 2011 and other international test campaigns in 2012. Developed with Rosoboronexport in Russia, the multi-spectral multi-band Manta uses a relatively large but powerful chemical laser supplied by Russian industry, enabling the system to feature closed-loop performances, from classification between IR/non-IR guided missiles to the highest jamming success probability, thanks to a common optical path for tracking and jamming, as well as multi-threat capability and instantaneous assessment of the effectiveness of the countermeasures. Able to defeat 1st, 2nd generation and imaging seekers, the Manta is being offered in internal, pod and sponson mount configurations. As the system was designed for medium and large platforms, Indra is now working on a more compact version for lighter platforms, but maintains the original version for the protection of large-size aircraft like the A400M. The Manta was to be installed on board Spanish A310 VIP and C295 aircraft and later on A400M, but budget reductions have delayed such plans. Capitalizing on the experience garnered with the development and manufacture of high-performance airborne lasers and electro-optic pointing and stabilisation systems, Selex ES presented a new Dircm solution at IDEX 2013. Called Miysis, after the ancient Egyptian lion-headed god of war, the new-generation system is based on the company’s Eclipse lightweight and low-cost IRCM point/tracker and Type 160 IRCM diodepumped fibre laser source-based developments, in a hardware and software format that is readily exportable. Both the Eclipse and the Type 160 were selected by the British MoD in March 2010, to be part of the Common Defensive Aid Suite technology demonstrator programme aimed at defining Based on a self-contained, easily removable pod, Northrop Grumman’s Guardian Dircm has been developed for civilian and military applications. Such a system has been tested by US Government to protect national airline fleets. (Northrop Grumman) INTERNATIONAL 3/2013 31 Transport Aircraft Self Protection Developed to protect large fixed-wing platforms, Indra’s Manta (MANpads Threat Avoidance) multi-spectral multi-band Dircm uses a relatively large, but powerful, chemical laser supplied by Rosoboronexport in Russia, although work on a compact version is underway. (Indra) the architecture for advanced defensive aid system. Available for integration into a defensive aid sub-system, or in a stand-alone configuration with either federated components or as a role-fit pod solution, a Misys Dircm suite comprising two sensor head assemblies, a MWS package with five sensor heads, an electronics unit cockpit display and control unit weighs less than 50 kg. Being suitable for a range of applications, from light aircraft and unmanned air vehicles to large transport aircraft, the Misys suite draws less than 500 watts of electrical power and its open architecture allows its integration with a range of warning systems, including the latest versions of Cassidian’s Milds AAR60 and Saab’s Maw300. According to Selex’s documentation, two sensor head assemblies and a MWS suite are powerful enough to defend a platform such as the A400M. In addition to discussions it is Unveiled at IDEX 2013, the Miysis is based on an Eclipse pointer/tracker and Type 160 IRCM laser developments, in a readily exportable hardware and software format, according to Selex ES. A Miysis demonstrator pod is expected to be test-flown in 2014. 32 INTERNATIONAL 3/2013 holding with Northop Grumman on a possible participation in the Misys programme, Selex ES also says that it is in advanced stages of negotiations with a launch customer. Aware of the threat posed by newgeneration manpads right from the beginning of multinational Airbus A400M strategic transport programme, the consortium’s nations and industries have been working on a complete baseline protection suite. This is to include the Indra ALR400M RWR/ESM, the Miras (Multicolour Infrared Alerting Sensor) missile warner from Thales and Cassidian, the Saphir 400 countermeasures dispensing system (CMDS) suite from MBDA, a Dircm system and a suite manager. Indra’s ALR400M is the most advanced version of the RWR/ESM ALR400 family, based on wide-band digital reception technology, while the Miras provides a unique multicolour infrared detector (Fraunhofer IAF developed the core sensor component) with band subtraction algorithms, offering long range detection, short reaction and low false alarm rate against both man-portable and air-to-air missiles, with a three-sensor unit managed by a dedicated signal processor. An MBDA Saphir 400 rounds up the baseline suite, offering large decoy and fully programmable capacities. France and Germany, through Cassidian, Thales, Sagem and Diehl BGT Defence, have been collaborating on the Flash (Flying Laser selfdefence system Against IR Seeker head missiles of High performances) demonstrator programme, based on an experimental closed-loop Dircm that carried out threat confirmation, identification, jamming and defeat assessment. In September 2011, the two nations requested the European Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) to manage the risk-reduction phase of the programme aimed at developing a Dircm for the A400M and, potentially, other aircraft. According to OCCAR documentation released in late 2009, a laser-based closed Partnership S piri t In addition to its Idas integrated defence suites, here seen installed in a Saab 2000 AEW&C, the Swedish group is marketing a solution that was specifically developed for commercial applications called Camps, in other words Civil Aircraft Missile Protection System. (Saab) loop (Dircm-CL) solution was to be ready in 2014 to cope with first- to third-generation manpads, with growth potential to blow a deadly deal to both fourth-generation manpads and larger infrared homing missiles. Although a risk-reduction phase was completed, an agreement between the two nations has yet to be concluded to launch the development, production and integration programme managed by OCCAR. In the meantime, the baseline configuration described above (sans Dircm) for the A400M was agreed upon by the launching countries with the addition of Malaysia. French and German industries’ Today the involved industries Cassidian, Thales, Sagem and Diehl are providing the defensive BGT Defence have been collaborating aids subsystems to be tested on the Flash demonstrator programme, based on an experimental closed-loop and qualified as part of Dircm. Germany and France requested standard operational OCCAR to manage the programme, but capability 1 (SOC 1) before no decision has been taken on actual the end of 2013. Airbus development, production and Military is ‘firmly committed’ integration. (Luca Peruzzi) to delivering the first A400M to the French air force before the Paris air show. While Dircm systems applications are expanding, expendable decoy systems will continue to equip transport and special fixed-wing platform fleets as they are magnitudes cheaper than Dircms and provide extended protection in a multi-threat, evolving environment. The recent crisis in Libya has however highlighted the need to broaden the protection spectrum to include radar guided missiles. NAVFCO DESCO AIRCO COFRAS The key to y our defe nce and securi ty strategy Since 1972, Défense Conseil International has been working in a framework defined by the Ministry of Defence and in collaboration with French Armed Forces Headquarters and the DGA. (General Acquisition Directorate) Défense Conseil International Group is specialized in transferring French military know-how and guarantee comprehensive understanding of its partners’ needs by providing tailored solutionsin the fields of consulting, technical assistance and contract monitoring. www.groupedci .com