Bird Aerosystems reports 100% success rate of SPREOS
The SPREOS camera at work during the live-fire demonstration. (Photo: Bird Aerosystems)
Bird Aerosystems has conducted a live firing demonstration of its Self-protection Radar Electro-optic Sensor (SPREOS) Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) system against a range of Man-portable Air-defence Systems (MANPADS).
The company set up a complete test range during which a diverse range of MANPADS, including the most advanced available on the market, were shot at a simulated aircraft.
The AMPS detection sensors identified the missiles and alert the MCDU mission computer, which activated the SPREOS DIRCM.
SPREOS conducted threat confirmation and tracking, followed by the deployment of the dual-band countermeasure laser, causing all missiles to miss their target.
The SPREOS DIRCM was active upon a pre-alarm signal, which caused it to activate its semi-active doppler radar to interrogate and confirm the incoming threat, ensuring a zero false-alarm rate.
The doppler radar also provided unique information on the incoming threats such as its radar cross section, distance and velocity.
Few of the system’s customers have been disclosed; however, according to Shephard Defence Insight, the system is in use with Mil Mi-8MTV1 medium-lift utility helicopters equipping the United Nations’ Multi-dimensional Stabilisation Mission in Mali.
The system was unveiled at Eurosatory 2016 and quickly began attracting customers.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone
The investment will bring together the Hybrid Drones and MBDA to enable the former to further develop its Hydra 400 UAV, previously showcased by the British Army.
-
Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery
Work has begun on stockpiling the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), following the first missile’s delivery from Kongsberg and the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency.
-
US Air Force has big plans for the F-47
The USAF Chief of Staff has claimed that the sixth-generation fighter would allow for guaranteeing “air superiority for generations to come”.
-
India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance
Inter-governmental agreement signed as final assembly line plans inch closer.
-
Just Released: New UAS Technology Report now available to read
Autonomous advantage: Unlocking the potential of VTOL UAS in the battlefield resupply role
-
Update: India’s Rafale-M deal postponed
New Delhi had been gearing up to sign a Navy Rafale deal as talks swirled around a potential assembly line in Nagpur.