COUNTERMEASURES - MBDA

COUNTERMEASURESMBDA ContactsSales and Business Development1 avenue Réaumur92358 Le Plessis-Robinson cedexFranceTel. + (0) 33 1 71 54 10 00Fax + (0) 33 1 71 54 00 01Via San Alessandro, 8-1000131 RomaItalyTel. +39 06 41971Fax +39 06 41974060Landshuter Str. 2685716 UnterschleißheimGermanyTel. +49 (0) 89 3179 2549Fax +49 (0) 89 3179 387111, StrandLondonWC2N 5RJUnited KingdomTel. +44 (0) 207 451 6000Fax +44 (0) 207 451 6001© MBDA - FR 2011-06-v.002 - Photo Credits: MBDA, Alexandre Paringaux, Michel Hans, Antoine Gonin, EADS, Quadrimage, SIRPA Air, Alessandro Avignoni,DGA Base d’essais de Cazaux, Berry Vissers-Squadron Prints Ltd, Frédéric Watbledwww.mbda-systems.come-mail: salesenquiries@mbda-systems.com

With 30 yearsof experience in protectingpilots and aircraft,MBDA is ideally qualifiedto counter the full range ofmodern threatsCOUNTERMEASURESENSURING PILOT AND AIRCRAFT SAFETYIN A DANGEROUS SKYExperiences gained from recent conflicts have transformed the way modern battlestrategies are approached. However, one thing remains clear, the dependenceon air support in modern combat remains unchanged.Air support involves a wide spectrum of platforms from fast combat jets andhelicopters through to transport and refuelling aircraft. For these platforms, not tomention the success of the mission, survivability is a key issue.Major advances have been made in ground based air defence technology whileair-to-air weapons have become faster, more accurate and exceptionally agile.At the other end of the technology scale, shoulder-fired weapons such as manpadscontinue to pose a threat to slower moving aircraft particularly in urban zonesduring for example peace keeping missions.With its global customer base, unrivalled experience in guided weapon systemstechnology and some 30 years of experience in countermeasures, MBDA is uniquelypositioned to advise and supply a range of equipment capable of protectingaircraft from these modern threats.1

AN EVER-GROWING THREATMBDA’s mastery of thelatest advances in modernair-combat technology isbeing brought to bear inthe protection of today’saircraftTHE COUNTERMEASURES SYSTEMStudies of aircraft losses in recent conflicts have shown that in more than half thecases, the pilots of the stricken aircraft were not even aware that they were underattack and that the majority of the losses involved the use of missiles.Just as MBDA is actively working on technologies to make its anti-aircraft missilesmore resistant to countermeasures, so are other weapons suppliers around theworld.The threat to pilots and their aircraft is therefore not only significant but growing.Aircraft self-protection is essential and needs to keep abreast of these latestdevelopments in missile technology. Who better then than a world-leadingmissile company, with its in-depth understanding of infra-red, electro-magneticand optronic seeker technologies, to develop solutions to counter these threats,solutions comprising missile detection/warning systems linked to dispenserscapable of launching the most suitable decoys.A full countermeasures system comprises a missile launch warning system to alertthe pilot to a potential threat to the aircraft and a series of dispensers capable ofreleasing the required combination of EM, IR or other decoys. Of equal importanceis the computerised management system and cockpit control unit that serve to coordinatethe operation of the countermeasures system as well as its integrationinto the aircraft.MBDA can draw from extensive experience gained from all types of combat aircraft(e.g. Mirage, Jaguar, Harrier, Tornado and Rafale) as well as larger aircraft (C160,C130, A400M) and helicopters (e.g. Cougar, Panther, Tiger, NH90) to supply customerswith a customised solution ranging from basic dispensers to a fully integratedsystem.2 3Extensive experiencegained from a wide range ofair platforms allows MBDAto offer highly optimisedcountermeasures solutions

MODULAR SOLUTIONSMBDA’s missile launchdetectors have beenprotecting the Mirage, nowthey are protecting Rafale,the latest generation ofcombat aircraftMBDACOUNTERMEASURE SYSTEMSMISSILE LAUNCH DETECTORSTo ensure that MBDA’s countermeasures equipment is compatible with the widestrange of customer requirements and aircraft, standard computers are used and thevarious countermeasure systems in the product portfolio are fully programmable.MBDA offers its customers a full range of equipment for both fixed and rotarywing aircraft enabling pilots to detect an incoming threat, and from the cockpitcontrol unit, select the optimum operating mode as well as the most effectivedecoy in terms of chaff and flares.In addition, MBDA’s dispensers and launchers have been designed to accepta fully comprehensive range of currently available decoys be they of the chaffor flare variety.The concept of modular design allows for a choice of different decoy systemsusing a range of basic modules. These can be installed internally or externallyin a conformal configuration or as a pod. The quantity can be tailored toparticular needs.Missile launch detectors generate a warning to the pilot and to thecountermeasures system that the aircraft is under attack and also track theprogress of the incoming threat. Importantly, they must be passive systemsto ensure stealth is not compromised and they must also provide highangular accuracy.DDMMBDA has two detection systems for fixed wing aircraft, DDM in serviceon the Mirage and Rafale combat aircraft, and DDM-NG a newgeneration missile warning system for the Rafale and other aircraft.Both systems are IR passive and capable of detecting a missile fromthe moment of its launch even at long range. They also feature advancedalgorithms to ensure the minimum occurrence of false alarms.The DDM has been deployed in combat on both Mirage 2000 andRafale aircraft in recent Afghanistan operations.4 5saphir-m /elips-nhspirale &eclair-mMBDA’smodular solutionsare compatible withthe widest range ofchaff and flare decoysddm-ngDDM-NGThe new DDM-NG takes advantage of the latest advances in infraredtechnology as well as the extensive experience gained from DDMin the course of combat operations. DDM-NG features a very widefocal-plane staring array sensor system which allows for a non-movingoptics design. It also provides enhanced operational performance featuressuch as: a spherical field of view with two sensors, a long detectionrange, a low false alarm rate and high angular accuracy.Other applications of the DDM-NG can be envisaged, taking advantageof the high quality of the IR image provided (situational awareness,assistance to piloting at night...).To enable a straightforward upgrade from the existing DDM on Rafale,the new variant represents a form, fit and function replacement.

DECOY DISPENSERSelipsSAPHIR / ELIPSSAPHIR / ELIPS is a family of decoy dispenser systems. SAPHIR A and B, in serviceon French Army Gazelle, Puma and Cougar helicopters and on the French Navy’sLynx, were deployed operationally during the first Gulf War (Operation DesertStorm) and during the UN peace-keeping mission in Bosnia. SAPHIR-M is currentlyin full-scale production to ensure the self-protection for the Tiger and NH90.A mid-life update of SAPHIR-M is planned using technology from ELIPS whichcurrently equips the Embraer 145 Early Warning aircraft, the export Cougar andPanther and other aircraft.The SAPHIR / ELIPS system’s dispenser covers the whole threat spectrum andfeatures software programmable by the user. In addition, advanced decoys to6 counter the latest threats are also being implemented.7SAPHIR 400Another addition to the family, and currently under development, is thevery high decoy capacity SAPHIR 400 expendable dispenser system.Using state-of-the-art technology, MBDA has optimised the systemarchitecture to reduce weight and power consumption. The system has beenespecially designed with advanced algorithms to provide protection for theA400M transport aircraft already selected by nine countries.A400M destined for the export market will also benefit from this highlyeffective self-protection system.The newest generationof helicopters and transportaircraft will benefit fromMBDA’s decoy dispensersand launcherssaphir-400elips

INTEGRATED MISSILEWARNING AND DECOYING SYSTEMSFully integrated missile warning anddecoying systems by MBDA providethe optimum levels of protection againstthe full spectrum of threatsA RECOGNISED LEADEROF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMESSPECTRAFor the new Rafale combat aircraft MBDA and Thales have jointly developed anintegrated self-protection system for this latest generation fighter that has recentlyentered service with the French Air Force and Navy. The full SPECTRA systemincorporates an MBDA part composed of the DDM (or DDM-NG) missile warningunit, a special management unit for threat level assessment and multi-threat decoydispensers with a smart dispensing facility.Emerging operational requirements have fostered the need for internationalcooperation on major complex programmes.The answer to these requirements rests in flexible thinking, creativity, industrialcompetition and effective partnerships. MBDA’s innovative industrial approach isaimed at minimising customer costs to bring about affordable programmes withthe potential for future growth as requirements evolve.SPIRALEThis integrated aircraft system, optimised for use with the DDM missile warningunit, has been developed for all variants of the Mirage 2000 combat aircraft.SPIRALE is fully integrated within the Mirage’s airframe and the aircraft’s ICMS(Integrated Countermeasures Suite).8 technological bases in France, Germany, Italy, the UK and the USA, MBDA isAn important feature of this highly effective aircraft self-protection system is itsideally positioned to lead these cooperative programmes. In addition, MBDA has9high internal decoy payload, combining flares and chaff to cover the wholethreat spectrum (RF, IR and EO). For an even greater chaff/flare payload, MBDA’sÉCLAIR-M is available to increase SPIRALE’s IR decoy capacity by four.proven its ability to incorporate specific but different national requirementswithin a single European programme offering not only interoperability but alsocost advantages to all concerned.This add-on dispenser (which can also accept RF decoys) fits easily into thespace on Mirage usually occupied by the drag chute or arrester hook and isfully managed by the SPIRALE system.SPIRITIntegrated with the detectors on the aircraft’s radar and missiles, SPIRIT is achaff and flare decoy self-protection system in service on C160 and C130transportersADVANCED DECOYSAdvanced decoys to counter the latest threats are being implemented onMBDA dispensers.PROTECTION OF VIP AND CIVILIAN AIRCRAFTWith expertise in decoy launchers, associated decoys and missile detectors,MBDA is ideally positioned to contribute towards the protection of VIP,mission (such as tankers and ground surveillance) and civilian aircraftagainst terrorist attacks, should such protection be required.spectraspiritspiralesea viperaster samp-tThe highest levelsof technology andinternational expertisehave been broughtto bear in addressingEurope’s capability gapsMBDA has a long tradition as a prime contractor or as the principal partner in arange of major international collaborative programmes in each of theoperational theatres-air, sea and land. These include not only METEOR andSTORM SHADOW / SCALP but also ASTER ground and naval air defence systems.As the only European missile system company with large industrial andThis heritage and international reputation, allied to its industrial capability andintegration expertise, has resulted in the Company being selected to supplyweapon systems for armies around the world.

AT THE FOREFRONTOF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGYMBDA has invested in leading edge technologies throughout its plants in France,Germany, Italy, the UK and the USA that are focused on the development andimprovement of the current product range and the creation and evolution of futureconcepts that will be needed to meet constantly evolving threats and thereforenew military requirements.With the industry’s most modern facilities, and utilising equipment such assynthetic environment laboratories, hardware in the loop and anechoic chambersfor stealth testing, the Company is able to simulate key aspects of missile systemdesign, providing low risk solutions through the product life cycle, with clear costbenefits to the customer.The wide portfolio of products delivered by MBDA, together with Customer10 feedback from systems in service throughout the world, allows MBDA to developMBDA’s investment in technology is also an11technologies delivering continued advances in the performance and operationalongoing investment in its customerscapabilities of its products. In addition, as a systems prime contractor, theCompany is also able to transfer cost-effective and de-risked technologyenhancements from one product range to another, as it develops new solutionsin line with the evolving needs of the customer.For the next generation of operational requirements, MBDA is developinga range of new technologies including new seekers, improved guidance andcontrol algorithms, new launch techniques and is working with key partnersand suppliers to develop products and concepts to meet the future militarycapability requirements of its customers. As a prime contractor MBDA will beable to apply these technologies across a range of programmes: land, sea,and air, enabling future cost reductions.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTIONOUR MAIN PRIORITYCustomised customersupport solutions areavailable to ensure thehighest levels of reliabilitythroughout the fullproduct life cycleIn today’s competitive market customers expect support solutions that offer greatervalue for money and deliver lower cost of ownership throughout the service life oftheir equipment. These support solutions must not only be tailored to thecustomer’s specific requirements, they must also be flexible and interoperable tosustain an increasing number of rapid global military deployments. As a result, inaddition to standard support services such as training, spares and technicaldocumentation that come with ordering an MBDA product, customers can selectfrom a package of additional services such as turn-key maintenance facilities andmunitions management. MBDA’s range of customer service solutions has beendesigned to provide support from initial purchase and delivery right throughto the demilitarisation of the weapon system or systems concerned.12MBDA focuses on providing not only the highest level of product reliability toensure that weapon systems remain ready for use throughout their completelifespan but also on helping the customer to drive down maintenance costs bybecoming increasingly involved in overall support supply chain management.MBDA’s Customer Support and Services team strives to establish a very close andpersonalised customer relationship. This approach, covering a wide range ofweapon systems, has allowed users of MBDA equipment around the world tobecome familiar with their individual company interfaces who in turn becomefamiliar with the customer’s individual issues and developing requirements.