HENSOLDT Unveils Cutting-Edge Sensors for Missile Launch Alerts
The military forces have acknowledged the rising peril to their tactical aircraft from infrared-guided missiles. A significant portion of aircraft losses in contemporary and recent confrontations has stemmed from ground-based defensive mechanisms employing infrared surface-to-air missiles (IR SAMs). The menace posed by passive anti-aircraft missiles is evident. They represent an undeniable risk to both the flight crew and the aircraft.
To mitigate this danger, HENSOLDT has engineered the Missile Launch Detection System AN/AAR-60, often referred to as MILDS. Its initial design is certified for deployment on a diverse array of tactical rotary-wing and wide-body aircraft such as NH-90, Tiger, UH-60, CH-47, C-130, and P-3. With thousands of sensors distributed globally, MILDS has garnered an esteemed reputation for reliability and efficiency.
MILDS is a passive, true-imaging sensor apparatus fine-tuned to detect the radiation signature within the UV solar-blind spectral region that is released from an incoming adversarial missile’s exhaust plume.
MILDS identifies incoming missile threats, accurately indicates the direction of arrival with maximum alert time, and automatically deploys countermeasures. The system’s inherent high spatial resolution, alongside advanced signal processing, allows for dependable detection while substantially reducing false alarms.
MILDS consists of up to six sensors that deliver high resolution and sensitivity without requiring additional cooling. The MILDS F Countermeasure Signal Processor (CSP) exhibits exceptionally advanced processing capabilities and encompasses all requisite interfaces to the aircraft, as well as an internal recording function for post-mission evaluation.
MILDS stands for superior quality and stability, amalgamated with reliability and scalability of the complete system while ensuring no electromagnetic compatibility issues onboard. The system offers straightforward installation owing to its remarkably low weight and dimensions, coupled with high comfort and rapid processing of missile threats concurrently. A high mean time between failures (MTBF) is achieved as there are no moving components utilized in the MILDS system sensors.
MILDS is a key component of HENSOLDT’s Airborne Missile Protection System (AMPS).
HENSOLDT has outfitted the Belgian Air Force’s F-16 fighters with its trusted AN/AAR-60 (V) 2 MILDS F missile warning system integrated into Terma’s weapon pylon PIDS+ (Pylon Integrated Dispensing System). Through this agreement, the majority of European F-16 operator nations (Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and Belgium) are depending on HENSOLDT’s MILDS F to shield their F-16s.
“MILDS F, with its remarkably low false alarm rate and rapid detection, coupled with automatic activation of countermeasures, alleviates the pilot’s burden in critical situations and ensures the secure return of both crew and aircraft,” states HENSOLDT CEO Thomas Müller.
Over 7,000 MILDS sensors have been distributed globally, and are installed on a multitude of platforms, including NH90, Tiger, CH53, Cougar, Puma, EC635, EC645, CH-47, UH60, EH101, A129, AH1, S70, UH1, AB205, AB412, BK117, KUH, Cheetah, Mi-17, CN235, C295, C27J, C130, P3C, P-1, BBJ, A340, and B747.
HENSOLDT is at the forefront of technology and innovation in the domain of defense and security electronics. Located in Taufkirchen near Munich, Germany, the company develops cutting-edge products to counter a wide spectrum of threats through inventive strategies in data management, robotics, and cybersecurity.
With around 5,500 employees, HENSOLDT achieved revenues of 1.14 billion Euros in 2019.
