Directional Infrared Counter Measures
Directed Infrared Counter Measures ( DIRCM, also: Directional Infrared Counter Measures; German about: Led or Directed infrared countermeasures ) is the name for protection systems, the military and civilian aircraft will enable ward equipped with IR seekers approaching missile. Particularly during takeoff and landing aircraft by portable one-man ground - to-air missiles anti-aircraft missiles (eg Stinger ) at risk. DIRCM is counted to the distance active protection measures.
Method
DIRCM used an active method for disruption of the infrared seeker heads of approaching missiles. Sealing consecutive directed at the seeker head high-energy pulses to disrupt the missile control system or even destroy it. The system can be used to protect military and civilian large fixed-wing transport aircraft used (eg, Air Force One ) to small helicopter.
Construction
The system basically consists of the components
- Missile approach warning
- IR passive tracker,
- Laser fine tracker and
- Zerstörlaser.
The Zerstörlaser hides the IR detector of the approaching missile with high energy pulses or destroyed them. The sequence of target acquisition and destruction takes place in a very short time and at a safe distance of the protected aircraft.
Systems
Currently, four systems are known:
DIRCM
Under this generic name is a project of the company Diehl BGT Defence is conducted in cooperation with EADS. The demonstrator program was successfully completed in 2006. 2009, the development of the operational system will begin in 2014 the installation of the first DIRCM systems is provided in the A400M.
AN/AAQ-24
The system, also known as NEMESIS, developed by Northrop Grumman and is already in service with the USAF and the British armed forces. It is planned to equip all 59 AC-130 gunship and MC -130 Combat Talon aircraft of the Air Force Special Operations Command ( AFSOC ) with DIRCM systems. In the Royal Air Force the installation of 131 systems in rigid and rotary-wing aircraft is planned.
AN/AAQ-24 also represents the basis for the staff in civil aviation since 2007 Northrop Grumman Guardian system
L -370 5 " President -S"
The Russian DIRCM system is inter alia used since 2011 in military transport helicopters of the type Mil Mi -26.
ELT/572
The Italian DIRCM system is in the procurement phase by the Italian Air Force. Manufacturer is the company Elettronica SpA in Rome (Italy).