DRDO and EADS develop advanced missile warning system for aircraft

MACHINIST - DRDO and EADS develop advanced missile warning system for aircraft

DRDO and EADS develop advanced missile warning system for aircraft
Written by Viswanath
Friday, 30 May 2008
Joint Local production with Alpha Technologies, Bangalore

EADS Defence & Security (DS) together with the Indian Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE) has successfully developed a missile warning system which will enter series production in India soon. As reported by the company during the Berlin Airshow, the system has passed successfully extensive flight trials which paved the way to equipping several hundred Indian Armed Forces' rotary wing and wide body aircraft.

The system is based on the proven MILDS Missile Launch Detection System provided by Defence Electronics, an integrated Business Unit of EADS Defence & Security. During the flight trials onboard an Indian Air Force test platform (AVRO 748) which were supported by Alpha Technologies, Bangalore and EADS Defence Security, the system with six sensors fulfilled all the requirements in terms of detection probability, accuracy, false alarms and reliability. Due to this success, the missile warning system has been accepted as "indigenious equipment" by the Indian authorities. It is planned to equip several hundred rotary wing and wide body aircraft of various types. After initial production in cooperation of Defence Electronics and Alpha Technologies which already has been started, the transition to series production at the Alpha site in Bangalore is foreseen in the near future.

"We are proud to have a perfectly working cooperation with Alpha Technologies in place", explained Bernd Wenzler, CEO of Defence Electronics. "With Alpha's and DARE's high technology standards and our proven products we are confident to fulfill the Indian armed forces' needs for reliable protection against increasing threats".

In 2006, EADS Defence & Security has signed a strategic co-operation agreement with the Indian Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE) which capitalizes on longstanding experience in electronic warfare and avionics. As part of the agreement, DS in a first step has delivered 36 sensors for further integration and development which has been completed now.

MILDS AN/AAR-60 is an advanced, passive imaging sensor which detects and tracks the UV emissions of approaching missiles including the most prevalent threat of heat seeking shoulder launched Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS). The system provides full coverage, a low false alarm rate and maximum warning time to enable the deployment of countermeasures such as Chaff/Flares. With a very low false alarm rate and fast detection combined with automatic initiation of countermeasures, MILDS AN/AAR-60 relieves the pilot’s workload in time-critical situations and ensures the safe return of both crew and aircraft. With more than 5,600 sensors sold, the sensor has been proven in service aboard a huge variety of rotary wing and wide body aircraft; a version for fighter aircraft is under development. In the field of electronic self-protection and missile warning, Defence Electronics is involved in the defensive aids systems of the Eurofighter, the A400M transport aircraft and the Tiger and NH90 helicopters.

Defence Electronics is an integrated Business Unit of EADS Defence & Security (DS). DS is a systems solutions provider for armed forces and civil security worldwide. Its portfolio ranges from sensors and secure networks through missiles to aircraft and UAVs as well as global security, service and support solutions. In 2007, DS – with around 22,000 employees – achieved revenues of € 5.5 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of € 39.1 billion and employs a workforce of about 116,000.

hey wasnt tarang developed inhouse and put on all frontline jets??

how does this system compare with tarang,anyone care to elaborate?

Tarang is a RWR meant for fighters. Tarang is a part of the EW suite.

MILDS is meant for helicopters and transports.