Protecting People, Missions and Aircraft
Leonardo’s Multiple Aperture InfraRed (MAIR) system is the newest and most advanced aircraft protection product to emerge from the company’s expertise in InfraRed Search and Track (IRST) technology. An IRST is a sensor system which targets opponents by detecting, identifying and tracking their heat emissions in the InfraRed (IR) spectrum. MAIR is a multiple distributed camera system, primarily designed to automatically detect and track threats, such as opposing aircraft and incoming missiles, as well as providing hostile fire indication. As a complimentary function, the set of seamlessly-fused images collated from the cameras also provides spherical day and night imaging. Building on decades of IRST heritage, MAIR warns only of genuine threats to an aircraft while disregarding the clutter sometimes picked up by competing threat warners.
Directed Infrared Countermeasure
A Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) is the only truly dependable way to protect personnel and aircraft from the latest advanced Man-Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS) missiles. DIRCM provides this critical protection by very quickly directing high levels of laser energy with great precision to counteract MANPADS missiles in flight.
Leonardo has exceptional DIRCM expertise and heritage with more than 30 years of design and manufacturing know-how. Over that time, we have delivered more than 3,500 DIRCM pointer trackers, fitted to over 50 aircraft types, which have achieved more than one million operational flying hours.
The latest generation pointer tracker for the US Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) programme is now in full-rate production and will ensure that Leonardo remains at the forefront of US air platform protection for decades to come.
As well as being the DIRCM pointer tracker supplier-of-choice for pivotal US DIRCM programmes, Leonardo is also delivering a step-change in capability with Miysis DIRCM – a highly advanced system that is already in full operational use protecting the airborne systems of UK, NATO and other international forces.
Situational Awareness
Elsewhere within the area of IRST, SkyWard offers state-of-the-art capabilities. It is the product of decades of research and investment into IRST technology for combat aircraft, and has been designed and developed to satisfy the more demanding requirements of 5th generation fighter aircraft.
Maritime Surveillance
This expertise is also at the heart of Leonardo’s DSS-IRST naval search and track system. The EO system is designed as a passive early warning sensor, providing 360-degree coverage and automatically detecting and tracking multiple symmetrical and asymmetrical targets simultaneously. This protects ships from surface, missile and air threats, long or short range, along coastal areas and in the open sea.
Leonardo technology is also helping enhance maritime safety in addressing the challenges of illegal immigration across the British channel. Multiple sensing and target detection technologies, including Leonardo’s NERIO ULR long-range night vision surveillance system and Horizon thermal imager, are at strategic locations along the UK’s South Coast to detect and locate small, often over loaded inflatable craft at the earliest opportunity and to ensure the safety of those on board.
Space Science
Leonardo’s infrared detectors are critical to the performance of a range of instruments used for space and astronomy missions. These missions include weather forecasting and monitoring of the Earth’s atmosphere, through to looking for the origins of life and exploring deep into the Milky Way.
