REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (Nov. 18, 2016) -- A system designed to allow host aircraft to operate and survive where there is an infrared missile threat is being integrated onto a limited number of AH-64E Apaches aircraft systems.
U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center's Aviation Development Directorate is assisting the Aircraft Survivability Equipment Project Management Office with the integration of a more capable Infrared Countermeasures system. The program is a result of a request issued by Assistant Secretary of the Army Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology to provide added protection to the Warfighter.
The system provides infrared guided missile protection that includes enhanced threat warning and countermeasure capabilities. It is a directional laser-based protection system designed to decoy incoming Infrared-guided shoulder-fired missile threats. This technology has been adapted from existing use in other military services. Benefits include providing better detection and the ability to evolve rapidly with the changing threat environment.
The integration of the system is an example of using the organic capabilities of the aviation enterprise to rapidly move this system through the acquisition process and meet a Warfighter requirement.
In addition to the quick reaction to the tight timeline, this project also highlights AMRDEC's ability to collaborate within the Aviation Enterprise organizations. The integration and test effort involves AMRDEC's ADD as well as AMRDEC's Aviation Engineering Directorate, the Aviation and Missile Life Cycle Management Command Logistic Center's Aviation Field Maintenance Directorate, and the Redstone Test Center.
ADD performed the non-recurring engineering and design for the integration of the system onto the AH-64E and conducted the initial aircraft handling qualities flight test evaluation. ADD, in conjunction with ALC Aviation Field Maintenance Directorate, is also fabricating the installation kits and performing the aircraft modification. AED will be issuing the final Airworthiness Release once performance testing is completed by RTC.
"Current testing consists of ensuring adequate performance and safety of the system as integrated onto Army platforms," said Justin Powell, ASE Deputy Division Chief, Redstone Test Center. "The main goal is to confirm that the system operates as designed while integrated with other aircraft systems, and that it provides 360 degrees of protection around the aircraft."
"Aircraft survivability equipment requirements constantly evolve in order to keep up with advancing threats," said Jerry Clifford, Aviation Applied Technology Directorate. "This effort is just one of the stepping stones to providing advanced countermeasures capabilities to our aviation forces. The Army intends to continue integration of improvements to aircraft survivability equipment as available to ensure effective and persistent combat overmatch".
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The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center leads the nation in advancement and sustainment of aviation systems, missile systems and related technologies.
AMRDEC's mission is to deliver technical capabilities for responsive and cost effective research, product development and life-cycle systems engineering solutions that equip the warfighter with the best technology today and tomorrow.
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