Indra’s InShield directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) system has successfully completed in-flight tests during the Nato Trial EMBOW XVI exercise at the WTD 91 Test Center in Meppen, Germany.
Nato EMBOW exercises are conducted to study and identify current technologies for counteracting attacks against aircraft and to make them available to allied countries.
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The Indra system is designed to detect an IR missile during its launch phase and use the DIRCM laser to jam the projectile’s tracking systems to deviate the missile’s path from the target.
Fitted with advanced electro-optics and solid-state laser technologies, InShield can be integrated on all types of aircraft, from small aeroplanes or helicopters to larger platforms.
The tests proved InShield’s capability to protect aircraft from infrared (IR) guided surface-to-land and surface-to-air missiles, also known as MANPADS.
InShield DIRCM system was integrated into a CH-47 Chinook helicopter of the Spanish Army Airmobile Forces (FAMET) during testing.
With the successful completion of Nato tests, the system has reached Technology Readiness Level 8 prior to its entry into service and is qualified at operational tests.
The tests were performed with the collaboration of the Ministry of Defense of Spain, Logistic Command of the Spanish Army (MALE) and its Acquisitions Direction and Weapons Subsystems Subdirectorate, Germany, France, and other allied countries.
The development of the system is being funded by the Spanish Directorate General of Armament and Equipment (DGAM) of the Ministry of Defense.
Indra is also working on delivering a DIRCM for installation in Spain’s fleet of A400M military transport aircraft under the national SYP 21501 programme.
Image: InShield DIRCM system was integrated into a CH-47 Chinook helicopter. Photo: courtesy of Indra.
