This post is also available in:
עברית (Hebrew)
Elbit Systems has developed the mini-MUSIC system, the newest member of the Israeli company’s family of Directional Infra-Red Countermeasure (DIRCM) systems.
According to the company the system provides high-performance protection for all types of rotary and fixed-wing aircraft against heat seeking Ground to Air Missiles (MANPADS).
mini-MUSIC is an advanced, flight-tested DIRCM system in a single compact and lightweight package.
The MUSIC family now includes four systems providing protection for all different aircraft types: MUSIC – designed for protection of medium to large rotary and fixed-wing aircraft; C-MUSIC – the world’s first DIRCM system in production for commercial jet aircraft; ; J-MUSIC for distributed installation for aircraft such as military transport, air refueling tankers, business jets, etc. and mini-MUSIC – for small and medium sized platforms.
All systems in the MUSIC family employ very advanced technology including a unique fiber-laser based, directional infra-red countermeasure technology and a sealed turret for maximized reliability.
The initial detection of incoming threats is provided by a missile warning system. When a threatening missile is detected, the warning is passed to the DIRCM that then directs a thermal tracker to acquire and track the threat. A powerful laser beam is then fired accurately at the missile causing it to be deflected away from the aircraft.
