EADS Defence Electronics
has been awarded a contract worth more than €10 million by the
Australian Department of Defencefor the supply of the Missile Launch Detection Systems (MILDS - AN/AAR-60) to protect helicopters and wide-body aircraft.
The missile warning systems will be provided for SA70A Blackhawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters for integration in the helicopters' self-protection suites. Similarly, standalone MILDS systems are being supplied to upgrade the self-protection capability of the Australian AP3C Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
MILDS is an advanced, passive imaging sensor which detects and tracks the UV emissions of approaching missiles including the most prevalent threat of heat seeking shoulder launched Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS).
According to EADS, the system provides full coverage threat declaration, a low false alarm rate and maximum warning time to enable the deployment of countermeasures such as Chaff/Flares. MILDS are already in the Australian Department of Defence's inventory on the ARH Tiger and will soon be deployed on MRH90 helicopters.
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