Self-defence for helos

Brian M Walters

Thursday, 19 June, 2008

The vulnerability of helicopters to missile and other ground fire is evident from the losses experienced by allied forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, which makes Ruag’s integrated self-protection system (ISS YS) reason enough to visit Stand E100.
ISSYS was developed by Ruag in collaboration with Saab and it is fitted to AS 332 and AS 532 helicopters. But a model of the ubiquitous Huey on the company’s stand shows an ISSYS in podded form, signifying its suitability for installation on many different helicopters. It comprises a multi-sensor warning and countermeasure dispenser system, capable of deploying the latest in decoy units.
The company has developed a handy testing device called ‘missim’ (missile simulation) that enables a pilot to check the functional capability of all onboard self-protection sensors. Ruag’s missim EW test equipment is a three-in-one flight line tester that combines radar, laser and guided missile signatures for testing most EW systems in the market.
It can be used flexibly at a range of up to 20m, the signal strength being automatically adjusted to the range. Thus missim can be used to reassure crews that their fully functioning self-protection system is ready to respond to threats.