Elbit Systems wins $26.5 million contract to supply advanced infrared countermeasure systems for wide-body jets
HAIFA, Israel, 17 Dec. 2015. Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESLT) won a $26.5 million, two-year contract to supply commercial multi-spectral infrared countermeasures (C-MUSIC) systems for wide-body jet aircraft in the Asia-Pacific region.
C-MUSIC is an advanced countermeasure system that uses advanced fiber laser-directed infrared countermeasure technology to protect mid- to large-size airliners against heat-seeking, shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles, also known as man portable air defense systems (MANPADs). The system is based on Elbit Systems' MUSIC family of Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) systems and is designed for fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
Elbit Systems MUSIC family of DIRCM system integrated with the advanced Passive Airborne Warning System (PAWS) IR based missile warning system has undergone extensive testing.
Elbit Systems, in cooperation with Airbus Military, participated in a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) test one of the MUSIC family of DIRCM systems with excellent results. The MUSIC family of DIRCM systems is used by many customers worldwide on a wide range of small, medium, and large aircraft platforms.
"This contract is another major milestone for Elbit Systems, providing evidence of the high-quality and reliability of our DIRCM Systems," says Elad Aharonson, general manager of Elbit Systems ISTAR Division. "We are proud to have been chosen by another customer in the Asia-Pacific region, which is an important market for us. C-MUSIC provides effective self-protection against IR-seeking weapons that pose a growing threat for aviation, as the proliferation and capabilities of MANPADs continue to advance. We hope more customers will follow in choosing our cutting-edge DIRCM solutions."
Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international high-technology company engaged in a wide range of defense, homeland security, and commercial programs throughout the world. The Company, which includes Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR), unmanned aircraft systems, advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, signal intelligence systems, data links and communications systems, radios and cyber-based systems. The company also focuses on the upgrading of existing platforms, developing new technologies for defense, homeland security, and commercial applications and providing a range of support services, including training and simulation systems.
Multi-Spectral Counter MANPADS System (MUSIC®)
Countering the threats of surface-to-air IR missiles, and protecting passenger, VIP and transport aircraft as well as attack and utility helicopters, the Multi-Spectral Infrared Countermeasure (MUSIC®) is our advanced, highly effective Directed Infra-Red Countermeasure (DIRCM) system for military and commercial fixed-wing and rotary wing aircraft. MUSIC® protects aircraft from surface-to-air IR missiles (MANPADS) and can be installed on all military and commercial aircraft without negative impact on the platform’s performance. With a cutting-edge laser, fast payloads and FLIR technologies, MUSIC®, one of our many industry-leading EOCM countermeasure products, provides a comprehensive solution for protection from MANPADS.
MUSIC delivers the following advantages:
- Compact system - low drag, light weight, high reliability
- Efficient operation
- Can be installed on all types of aircraft without degrading aircraft performance
- Counters multiple threats
MUSIC consists of the following components:
- MWS – Missile Warning System (IR, UV or radar) that indicates that a missile has been fired
- Laser – generates a jamming beam with the necessary wavelengths to counter surface-to-air missiles
- FLIR – thermal camera for acquisition and tracking of missiles
- High Speed Turret – enables accurate tracking of missile seeker
- System Processor – controls and coordinates all MUSIC® elements.
Directed IR Countermeasures
The threat of MANPADS (ground to air heat seeking man-portable missiles) has grown considerably over the last few years. Elbit Systems Intelligence and Electro-optics – Elop’s Multi Spectral Infrared Countermeasures (MUSIC™) systems are a family of Directed IR Countermeasures (DIRCM) solutions for protecting aircraft against heat seeking ground to air missiles.
Airborne Application
Elbit Systems Intelligence and Electro-optics - Elop (Elop) is a pioneer in developing systems to protect aircraft from multiple threats. These systems provide advanced capabilities in compact and lightweight configurations, critical factors in airborne platforms.
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