Difference between revisions of "Category:Countermeasures"

Countermeasures are systems that allow a vehicle to counter a threat or defeat targeting systems.

Types of countermeasure

Chaff

• Chaff is a radar countermeasure fired off by an aircraft to counter radar homing missiles. Made of small metallic strips or fibers interfering with the detection of the target by the missile, Chaff is considered a decoy. Being lightweight, the countermeasures can be released in salvo to increase chances of distracting the incoming missile from its intended target.

Flares

• Flares are infrared countermeasures fired off by aircraft to counter infrared homing (heat-seeking) missiles. A flare is considered a decoy, depending on the material it is made from to either burn as hot or hotter than the aircraft's exhaust in an attempt to cause the missile to target it. Typically flares are fired off in multiples to increase chances of distracting the incoming missile from its intended target.

IRCM

• Infrared countermeasures include light energy emitted from non-coherent flashlamps and direct it towards an incoming missile in an attempt to blind the missile's infrared sensors. Low-powered infrared carrier signals emitted from the flashlamps flood the missile's infrared receivers and "confuse" the missile and cause it to follow a false target or a high-powered infrared carrier will blind the missile causing it to lose its target lock.

HIRSS

• Hover Infrared Suppressor System is a helicopter-specific modification that allows it to reduce or almost eliminate all infrared radiation emitted by exhaust gases to the surroundings, especially the helicopter body itself. "Hot spots" on a helicopter caused by the operating engine or the engine exhaust when directed onto the helicopter or helicopter body causes the infrared target of the helicopter to become larger and easier for infrared missiles to lock onto. Changes in the helicopter body to dissipate this infrared energy away from the helicopter reduces the infrared signature of the helicopter making infrared locks less effective and the usage of flares and IRCM more effective.