1. Threat Independent Protection System
An active countermeasure system for helicopter applications
Christer Zätterqvist
October
M issue A

2. The objective Complete the mission objectives
Achieve the same amount of landings as take-offs…
Survivability
Increased Aircraft Combat Survivability (PS)
Susceptibility to threats (PH)
Maximizing PS = 1 - PHPK|H (1- Susceptibility * Vulnerability)
Increased likelihood for mission success

3. The problem A plethora of threats Small arms IR IR imaging RF Laser
Multi-mode
CLOS
LLTV
Wire
Radio
Unguided
AIED …

4. Known threats
MANPADS (SA-7, SA-14, SA-16, SA-18, Stinger, Mistral, HN-5, FN-6)
IR AAM (AIM-9, AIM-132, IRIS-T, AA-8, AA-11)
IR SAM (SA-9, SA-13)
RF AAM (AIM-7, AIM-120, AA-9, AA-12)
RF SAM (Command typ, SA-2, SA-3, SA-4, SA-5, SA-6, SA-8, SA-10, SA-15)
IR/RF AAM (also IR/SARH Semi Active Radar Homing, AA-2, AA-6, AA-7, AA-10
CLOS (LLTV, Wire (RBS56, Bill), Radar (RBS23, Bamse), Radio
Beam riders (RBS70/90, Starstreak)
AT/RPG (AT4, Carl Gustav, RPG-7)

5. Non-decoy technology required
Known threats
Decoys possible
Non-decoy technology required BR
IR AAM
gen. 4
Current capability
RF SAM
MANPADS
gen. 4
CLOS
IR AAM
gen. 3
Threat technology
MANPADS
gen. 3
IR SAM
IR AAM
gen. 2
RF AAM
IR AAM
gen. 1
MANPADS
gen. 2
IR/SARH AAM
MANPADS
gen. 1
AT/RPG
Difficulty to decoy

6. MANPADS

7. Less known or emerging threats
AIED
Known attacks using AIED
Envisioned to become more and more used as consumer electronics becomes more and more capable, sample components;

8. AIED
Threat technology
AIED
Difficulty to decoy

9. AIED, a design example
Verbal description

10. The problem in a nutshell
A plethora of existing and emerging threats
Limited knowledge of installed seeker/guidance technology
Unguided threats do not respond to decoys
Proliferation of developed weapons
Development trend of consumer electronics

11. Downed helicopters in Iraq 1
68 helicopters lost to insurgent fire, resulting in 201 fatalities
[1] Source; The Brookings Institution, Iraq Index October 1, 2007

12. Actions Preventive / Tactical Tactics Technical Layers of protection
Arms control
Port and border security
Tactics
Flying tactics and operating procedures
Speed / altitude
Situational awareness
ConOps
Technical
Hardening of structure
Ruggedized airframe
Blast protection
Signature reduction
System redundancy
Countermeasures
Layers of protection
Survivability = 1- (Susceptibility * Vulnerability)

13. Analysis, threat matrix
Analysis of common threat characteristics
Highly transportable
Designed to fly…
On-board propellant
Similar physical attributes
Similar kinetic energy

14. Analysis, proliferated threats

15. Result of analysis No such system exists today for flying platforms
A CMDS is needed to address the plethora of current, emerging and future threats
Use knowledge of common threat characteristics
No such system exists today for flying platforms

16. TIPS, the idea
To physically counter incoming threats regardless of guidance technology, if at all present....

17. Threat characteristics
Counter threats with the following characteristics
Portable by a single person
Speed: 84 – 600 m/s
Mass: 1,9 – 10,8 kg
Body/warhead diameter: 4 – 10,5 cm
Altitude: 0 – 3500 m
Range to shooter: xx – 5000 m

18. Threat characteristics
Threats smaller than 4 cm = HFI
Angle/sector indication
Range indication

19. TIPS, one system – all threats
System functions
Detect
Launch
Intercept
Defeat

20. TIPS, one system – all threats
System functions
Detect
Radar
Short range
High resolution
360° coverage
Installed on the platform
Launch
Intercept
Defeat

21. TIPS, one system – all threats
System functions
Detect
Launch
A directional launcher
Azimuth and elevation
Directed towards the incoming threat
Launch of counter-projectile
Sector inhibit function
Intercept
Defeat

22. TIPS, one system – all threats
System functions
Detect
Launch
Intercept
Counter Projectile
Short range
Guided towards the incoming threat using own platform guidance data
Defeat

23. TIPS, one system – all threats
System functions
Detect
Launch
Intercept
Defeat
Defeat mechanism
The threat defeat mechanism is activated at a suitable distance from the incoming threat
Remote or proximity activated
Preferably non-explosive

24. TIPS system building blocks
TDCU Tactical Display & Control Unit
ADC Active Defense Controller
SPU Safety Pin Unit
Display
Radar sensor
Radar sensor
Datalink
Discrete signal
Wireless datalink
ADC
SPU
Sensor Controller
Wireless Transceiver
Launcher
Radar sensor
Radar sensor
Counter Projectile(s)

25. TIPS system building blocks

26. TIPS connected to existing CMDS

27. Simulation

28. Sample installation, Super Puma

29. Conclusion
Investigation shows it is possible to develop a system capable of defeating targeted threats
Will affect platform ConOps
Development cost is significant

30. Questions?