Munich, 22 June 2016 – Airbus DS Electronics and Border Security (EBS), future Hensoldt, has developed a new variant of its proven Airborne Missile Protection Suite (AMPS) which reduces substantially the already low false alarm rate and unintended flare deployment. In the new AMPS-MV (MV = Missile Verification) suite an active, radar based, Missile Approach Confirmation Sensor (MACS) amends the passive missile warning capability of the MILDS (= Missile Launch Detection System) with the advantages of an active missile warning system. The MACS is only active for few seconds when being alerted and directed towards the missile direction only. Thus the aircrew does not lose the stealth feature of the passive missile warning system MILDS.
"With AMPS, flight crews are protected very effectively against missile attacks”, explained Thomas Müller, Managing Director of EBS. "With the active sensor we can reduce false alarms to an unprecedented minimum making AMPS-MV the ideal solution when it comes to VIP transport, special ops or surveillance missions".
AMPS is an autonomous system, primarily designed for the stand-alone operation on helicopters and wide-body aircraft. It consists of a small number of components, does not need any interface to the aircraft's avionics and is controlled by a separate EW controller unit which includes also display and control function. Thus, AMPS is perfectly suited for retrofit programmes. More than 400 systems have been sold already worldwide.
AMPS is based on EBS’ proven MILDS AN/AAR-60 missile warner which has been sold in more than 8,000 units worldwide. MILDS is an advanced, passive imaging sensor which detects and tracks the UV emissions of approaching missiles including the most prevalent threat of heat seeking shoulder launched Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS). The system provides full coverage, a low false alarm rate and maximum warning time.
About Airbus DS Electronics and Border Security (EBS)
EBS is the new sensor house, a leading global provider of premium electronics in the areas of protection, reconnaissance and surveillance. The enterprise equips armed forces and security organisations around the world on the basis of a 100-year tradition and experience gained from renowned technological predecessors such as Dasa, Aérospatiale-Matra, Telefunken, Dornier and Zeiss. EBS employs some 4,000 employees generating revenues of approximately €1 billion per year.
EBS is a 100% subsidiary of Airbus Defence and Space. Airbus Group has signed a Share Purchase Agreement with the investment company KKR in order to transfer ownership of initially 74,9 % of the EBS shares to KKR. The agreement is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and employee consultation, and is expected to be put into effect in the first quarter of 2017. Thereafter, the company will appear under the brand name “Hensoldt” following the tradition of a German pioneer of sensor technology whose name stands for the combination of excellence, innovation and efficiency.
Press contact
Lothar Belz
+49 (0)731.392.3681
lothar.belz@airbus.com
