Leonardo’s aircraft protection system has been selected to protect an Airbus A330 VIP transport aircraft for a government customer. The system will be installed during the configuration of the aircraft by Jet Aviation at its support and assembly centre.
The combination of Miysis DIRCM and MAIR enables the simultaneous detection, tracking and neutralisation of multiple incoming missile threats. This provides greater freedom of operation for the aircraft and, with Miysis DIRCM demonstrating a 100% success rate against all targets in real-world tests, the confidence to defend against both modern and legacy infrared missiles.
Unlike other air defense systems, Miysis DIRCM requires no maintenance once installed, resulting in minimal lifecycle running costs. There are also no ITAR restrictions, giving customers greater control over how they wish to operate their equipment. Infrared missiles, such as Man Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS), pose a significant threat to aviation, particularly when flying in or near conflict zones. Miysis DIRCM enables protection of a wide range of valuable assets for its customers, including aircraft operated by the Royal Air Force and other NATO and Middle Eastern nations.
MAIR is a “distributed aperture” threat warning system that combines data from infrared cameras around the aircraft to simultaneously detect and track incoming missiles by their thermal signatures, then passes it to Miysis DIRCM. Its high-power laser is aimed at the missile’s seeker head, blinding it so it can no longer track the protected aircraft.
Compatible with all aircraft types, Leonardo’s platform protection system can be installed on helicopters, wide-body aircraft and everything in between. It is compact, lightweight and its discreet installation does not affect performance or other equipment on the aircraft. Using a common platform protection system also brings benefits, such as standardised training for operators and technicians and greater access to spare parts.
