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)
The Italian Army’s LUH will be the first recipient of Leonardo’s new Multi Aperture Infrared warning system.
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
-
![Protecting the horizon]()
Protecting the horizon
Make it an unfair fight, with the EA-37B. Deny, degrade, and disrupt the enemy.
-
![Singapore P-8A buy integral to future maritime domain awareness network]()
Singapore P-8A buy integral to future maritime domain awareness network
Singapore’s acquisition of the Boeing P-8A Poseidon will be part of a maritime domain awareness network that could include unmanned aerial systems.
-
![Peru cleared for possible $3.42 billion F-16 Block 70 buy]()
Peru cleared for possible $3.42 billion F-16 Block 70 buy
The potential foreign military sale covers 12 F-16 aircraft as well as related training and equipment support, the DSCA notice said.
-
![DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)]()
DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)
Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities is set to become a market differentiator for fighter aircraft, allowing 4.5-5th generation platforms to remain relevant to the battlefield.
-
![Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service]()
Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service
The Kuiper Network enables organizations to buy, rather than build, applications that serve mission needs at mission speed.
