Germany launches BriteCloud from target drone
BriteCloud-218 decoy is ejected from a remotely piloted air target system for the first time.
The German Armed Forces successfully conducted the first live launch of a BriteCloud-218 decoy in a recent trial, manufacturer Leonardo announced on 17 February.
BriteCloud-218 rounds were ejected from an Airbus remotely piloted air target system (RPATS) test platform.
‘The trial proved the ability of Leonardo’s flare-sized electronic device to outwit missiles equipped with Semi-Active Radar (SAR) seeker technology,’ the company added.
Shephard Defence Insight describes BriteCloud as a ‘last ditch’ defence for a fighter to lure an incoming missile away from the targeted aircraft where it will explode harmlessly.
Launched from a standard countermeasure dispenser, the flare-sized BriteCloud electronic device transmits powerful radio emissions that simulate a target, drawing missile threats away from the aircraft.
Germany is the first country to trial BriteCloud as a protection capability for RPATS aircraft, also known as target drones.
In the US, the Air National Guard is leading Foreign Comparative Testing trials of BriteCloud to confirm its suitability for the countermeasure dispensers on F-16 aircraft.
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