Large-Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures ATD
Objectives.—-
Design, develop, and demonstrate an advanced laser-based infrared countermeasure (IRCM)
technology to allow for self-protection of high-IR-signature large Air Force aircraft (e.g., C–17, C–5, C–
130, C–141).
Payoffs.—-
The central program to the ATD—the Laser IRCM Flyout Experiment (LIFE)—will
demonstrate closed-loop IRCM (CLIRCM) capability for transition to engineering development and
preplanned product improvement (PI). The coupling of advanced laser source technologies (solid-state,
advanced solid-state, or semiconductor) with active aimpoint tracking of inbound threat missiles shows
promise of a tenfold increase in jam-to-signal ratio and a significant reduction in missile engagement
times. Such figures are necessary to protect large multiengine aircraft throughout their range of mission
profiles from the proliferated IR missile threat. This advanced capability can result in a robust IRCM
system that will protect large-signature transport and special forces aircraft well into the 21st century. The
bottom-line benefit to the warfighter will be increased survivability of those platforms and the ability to
successfully prosecute the mission.
Challenges.—-
Currently fielded and developmental IRCM systems are designed to protect lower-signature
and suppressed platforms using a combination of coherent or noncoherent sources, and an open-loop
IRCM capability against a limited threat list. The increased signature of large aircraft requires that the
intensity of the IRCM source(s) be increased and more efficient jam codes be implemented. CLIRCM
techniques offer an increased capability by protecting larger-signature aircraft from a wide variety of
threats. Technical risks and challenges associated with a CLIRCM system include long-range missile
warning in the presence of IR clutter to enable threat engagement at long ranges, pointing and tracking
stability consistent with the narrow laser beams used in CLIRCM, development of an all-band laser
capability, reduced pointer/tracker size, and demonstration of CM timelines consistent with real-world
scenarios (single- and multiple-threat launches) that will protect the full range of large aircraft missions.
Milestones/Metrics.
FY2000: Demonstrate effectiveness during live-fire air-to-air missiles against LIFE testbed. Demonstrate
real-time CM effectiveness and 5:1 reduction in engagement timeline. Demonstrate laser-based jamming
using CLIRCM technique during live-fire SAM flyouts at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) cable car.
Demonstrate sufficient laser intensity to protect large aircraft IR signature (10–100X greater than
suppressed helicopter and SOF aircraft).
