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2024-08-08

Leonardo DRS Sharpens U.S. Air Defence with 1,000th Sensor

Imagine flying a helicopter in a warzone, but having a guardian angel watching out for hidden dangers. That’s the reality for U.S. Army helicopter crews thanks to a major milestone. Leonardo DRS has delivered the 1,000th advanced sensor package for the 2-Colour Advanced Warning System (2CAWS), a next-generation missile defence system developed by BAE Systems.

The technology acts like a watchful eye, detecting both new and evolving missile threats before they strike. With real-time warnings, pilots can take evasive action and stay safe in the skies.

The advanced DRS 2-colour infrared detector package is integrated into BAE Systems’ 2CAWS system for the U.S. Army’s Limited Interim Missile Warning System (LIMWS) Quick Reaction Capability programme.

The technology serves as the cornerstone of the U.S. Army’s current and future threat detection strategies, equipping aircrews with advanced 360-degree threat detection capabilities to significantly bolster survivability.

Risk Assessment

The system has been designed to provide threat information to the aircrew and integrates with countermeasure systems to protect against shoulder-fired and vehicle-launched infrared surface-to-air missiles.

“We are proud to have reached this milestone and be partnered with BAE Systems to have developed this critical lifesaving technology for aircrews,” said Jerry Hathaway, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Leonardo DRS Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems business unit. “The challenges in Ukraine emphasise how important it is to have this capability on aircraft today on the battlefield to manoeuvre and conduct operations.”

U.S. Army and BAE Systems programme officials recently visited the Leonardo DRS facility to mark the delivery of the 1,000th 2CAWS for the LIMWS programme, commending employees for their dedication to ensuring the safety of frontline pilots and aircrews.

Leonardo DRS maintains an extensive deployment of electro-optical and infrared technology across the U.S. military. Advanced sensing capability is a strategic focus for Leonardo DRS, providing leading sensing and laser technologies to protect aircraft and support mounted and unmounted sensors for personnel in the U.S.A. ArmedForces.

Rotary Wing Shield

The 2CAWS is an advanced missile warning system designed to shield aircrews from evolving threats. It leverages BAE Systems’ expertise in deploying systems tailored for the demanding rotary-wing environment.

The system supports air combat missions and integrates into fixed- and rotary-wing platforms with ease. By leveraging the A-Kit wiring and mounts of the Common Missile Warning System (CMWS), it enables a swift upgrade on aircraft currently equipped with the system.

Utilising two-colour infrared sensor technology, it enhances survivability and mission effectiveness by providing missile warning and hostile fire detection in challenging operational environments. It integrates with current U.S. Army aircraft survivability equipment, including pilot interfaces and countermeasure systems, facilitating swift installation and integration.

Optimised for size, weight, and power, it features an open system processor, two-colour infrared sensors for increased range, and a fibre optic A-kit for faster data transmission. Serving as the high-bandwidth digital backbone, the system processor is built to modular open system approach, or MOSA, standards.

It incorporates advanced machine learning algorithms for missile warning, tailored for complex, high-clutter environments with rapid threat updates.

2CAWS seamlessly integrates with current U.S. Army aircraft survivability equipment, including pilot interfaces and countermeasure systems.

Layered Aircrew Protection

Present and future rotary-wing aircraft require a flexible and scalable missile warning system that integrates with a layered countermeasure defence capability.

Addressing this demand, BAE Systems pairs the 2CAWS with the AN/ALE-47 countermeasures dispensing system and Smart D2.

For enhanced versatility, it can interface with existing and forthcoming directed infrared countermeasure (DIRCM) systems.

These efficient systems ensure that aircraft are equipped with the most advanced protection package available globally.

If threats cannot be detected, they cannot be defeated. Aircraft equipped with 2CAWS are capable of accurately locating threats and responding swiftly.

BAE Systems boasts a legacy of installing missile and hostile fire detection systems across more than 40 different platform types, supporting both U.S. and allied forces.

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