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The Fast Jet DIRCM Demonstrator

DSTO and BAE Systems Australia have developed an advanced Fast Jet Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) Demonstrator. This has been in response to the evolving threat to all military aircraft of infrared (IR) guided missiles with increasingly smarter lock-on capabilities, greater speed and acceleration.

The Fast Jet DIRCM Demonstrator

The Fast Jet DIRCM Demonstrator works in the following way:
• Passive sensors detect the UV or IR plume of an incoming missile.
• A mid-IR imaging array housed in a turret accurately tracks the missile.
• A high-power thermal-band laser is directed at the missile seeker.
• High-power laser radiation is modulated to degrade performance of the missile’s optical sensor and provide false targeting information.

This system offers advantages over the use of flares to defeat infrared missiles because it can continue to operate indefinitely, whereas flare supplies are exhaustible; it is more effective against advanced missile threats; it presents no safety hazard on board aircraft, unlike combustible flares; and the Fast Jet DIRCM
Demonstrator is covert in operation.

A flight trial conducted in April 2008 places Australia within a small group of countries with demonstrated capability in this critical next generation self protection technology. The DIRCM system successfully acquired, tracked and radiated a simulated infrared missile with laser power in more than 90% of the engagements. The experience gained in developing DIRCM relevant technologies will be invaluable in
developing advanced electronic warfare techniques to protect Australian Defence Force
aircraft.

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