Italy set to be first recipient of Leonardo’s MAIR system
Multiple Aperture InfraRed is a missile warning system based on multiple InfraRed sensors, able to cover the full angular volume around the aircraft. (Photo: Leonardo)
Leonardo’s new Multi Aperture Infrared (MAIR) threat warning system has gone into series production.
Manufacturing has begun on an initial batch of units for installation on helicopters including the Italian Army’s Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) based on Leonardo’s AW169M.
As a distributed aperture warning system, MAIR fuses data between four and six IR cameras to detect and track incoming missiles and hostile gunfire threats using their heat signatures.
Customers can also choose to purchase an additional image processor module that can deliver day and night imaging and full mission data recording capability to boost situational awareness and support navigation and landing.
IR threat warning systems offer many advantages over legacy UV systems, improving response time and tracking accuracy.
MAIR can be installed as a stand-alone threat warning system or can be integrated with countermeasures, such as a Directed IR CounterMeasure, as part of a wider aircraft protection system.
Leonardo revealed its MAIR system at the 2019 Paris Air Show and production was expected to begin in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused delays to this schedule.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the AW169M is designed to perform a range of light utility and armed attack roles, as well as observation and training missions.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
DSEI 2025: UK launches Project Octopus to deliver thousands of interceptor drones to Ukraine
The programme will work to build and deploy the drones to Ukraine to support its fight against Russia, coming a day after Poland shot down 19 Russian drones in its airspace.
-
DSEI 2025: NATO members evaluate Black Widow UAV as it joins NSPA catalogue
The addition of Red Cat’s Black Widow to NATO’s NSPA catalogue opens the doors for allied forces to more easily procure the AI-enabled drone.
-
DSEI 2025: Deutsche Aircraft takes aim at special mission market with D328MR
The company plans to offer its D328eco commercial aircraft as a multi-role variant, and spoke to Shephard at DSEI 2025 about its ambitions for the future.
-
DSEI 2025: New AR3 EVO puts Tekever’s modularity ambitions under the spotlight
An evolution of the Tekever AR3, the AR3 EVO that broke cover at DSEI incorporates the thousands of incremental evolutions the company has implemented through its spiral development, geared towards delivering a constant stream of improved aircraft to Ukraine.
-
DSEI 2025: Schiebel reveals two weaponised Camcopter UAVs
The new capabilities are based on platforms already in use or in development, and are designed to perform in demanding defence missions.