Self-protection systems
Cutting-edge airborne self-protection against modern threatsEssential in today’s operational environments
Airborne self-protection systems are essential in today’s operational environments, where aircraft and helicopters face an increasing range of threats. From missiles and laser-guided systems to radar-based attacks, hostile forces employ sophisticated tactics that endanger both military and civilian platforms. With over 500,000 shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles (MANPADS) in circulation, many in the hands of non-state actors and terrorists, the need for reliable airborne defence is greater than ever. With about 2,000 protected platforms currently in service around the globe, HENSOLDT is a leading company for airborne self-protection.
Sensors to detect a variety of threats
Our self-protection systems use advanced sensors to detect a variety of threats, including infrared-guided missiles, laser range finders, target designators and radar-guided attacks. These systems provide early detection, allowing aircraft to deploy countermeasures such as flares and jamming technology to evade and neutralise incoming threats. Tailored to individual operational needs, these systems can be customised to provide the necessary protection, whether for military missions or civilian operations. With a modular design and a range of compatible subsystems, they ensure that pilots and crews are protected in the most demanding scenarios, enhancing both survivability and mission success.
Products
Innovative solutions for a safer world
Advanced airborne self-protection
UV-based missile warning: accurate detection with low false alarm rates
UV-based passive imaging sensors are designed to detect the unique UV radiation signatures of incoming missiles with exceptional accuracy and extremely low false alarm rates. These sensors significantly enhance the protection of helicopters, wide-body aircraft and fighters, particularly against shoulder-fired, infrared-guided missiles, to ensure a higher level of defence in critical situations.
Infrared-based missile warning: long-range threat detection and precision defence
Infrared-based missile approach warning systems are designed to detect incoming missiles from long distances, providing early warning and enabling the precise deployment of countermeasures. These advanced systems ensure accurate and effective defence against missile threats to enhance overall aircraft protection.
Radar warning: early and reliable threat detection
The Kalaetron Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) uses cutting-edge artificial intelligence and digital signal processing to detect radar-based threats early and with high reliability. These advanced digital RWRs enhance the effectiveness and survivability of aircraft and helicopters, especially as the signal spectrum becomes more crowded and air defence systems grow more complex and integrated. As a result, they ensure timely responses to evolving threats in high-risk environments.
Key benefits
Maximising performance and valueConfigured for your needs
- Combine different kinds of warning sensors, countermeasures and other avionic equipment to protect the platform and its crew
- Configure systems according to specific operational needs and different mission profiles
Best possible protection with multi-spectral detection
- Our self-protection systems detect missiles, laser range finders, laser target designators, laser beam rider missiles and radar-guided threats with very high angle accuracy
- They detect incoming missile threats with high accuracy and at long ranges for maximum warning times
- The systems also simultaneously detect and track multiple threats
Platform-agnostic integration
- Flexible, stand-alone and off-the-shelf self-protection systems with a low size, weight and power profile
- Platform-agnostic design suitability for deployment on a range of aircraft
- No interfaces to mission or avionic systems required
- Countermeasure capabilities such as flares and jamming technology can be integrated