Leonardo has signed a contract with the British Ministry of Defense to provide assistance for its threat simulation systems already used for the Typhoon, Tornado, Merlin, Wildcat, Chinook and C130J aircraft. The agreement will cover a period of 5 years, from the 2018 to the 2022, in continuity with the previous 10 years of support already provided by Leonardo.
The threat simulation equipment, designed and built in the UK in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense, uses state-of-the-art radio frequency technology to provide a wide range of simulation and validation capabilities.
The system uses portable devices and special covers, capable of emitting radio frequencies that replicate radar threats, to hit particular sensors of the aircraft while the plane is still on the ground. Thanks to this preliminary check, it is possible to guarantee to the pilot that the protection suite installed on the aircraft is working properly before embarking on a mission.
Most of the electronic aircraft protection suites (Defensive Aids Suites - DAS) are supplied with an integrated test device that confirms the correct functioning of the system to the pilot. However, during a mission, undetectable malfunctions may occur, such as decreased sensitivity of the radio frequency antenna. In these cases, where the system is operational but not fully effective, it
could provide incorrect or partial information, endangering the crew. Leonardo's capability assurance systems allow these risks to be zeroed in every mission and throughout the life of an aircraft.
