Mon, Jul 09, 2018
Covers Pre-Flight Threat Simulation Equipment For Multiple U.K. Air Platforms
Leonardo has been awarded a post-design support contract by the U.K. Ministry of Defense which will see the Company provide in-service support for its pre-flight threat simulation equipment, currently being used on the Typhoon, Tornado, Merlin, Wildcat, Chinook and C130J platforms. The contract builds upon the previous 10 years of support delivered by Leonardo and will run over a five year period from 2018 until 2022.
Leonardo’s threat simulation equipment has been designed and developed in the U.K. in partnership with the MOD, using state-of-the-art Radio-Frequency (RF) technology to provide a wide range of stimulation and test capabilities.
The equipment uses special RF-emitting ‘hoods’ and handheld devices to target the particular platform’s sensors and simulates threats using real radar energy whilst the aircraft is still grounded. By performing this preliminary check, the user gains increased confidence that the platform’s RF defensive systems are operationally effective before embarking on a mission.
The majority of Defensive Aids Suites (DAS) on air platforms come with ready installed ‘built-in-test-equipment’ (BITE), which signals to the pilot that the equipment is working as designed. However, throughout the life of an aircraft, and with each mission it executes, undetected problems can emerge as the aircraft receives ongoing maintenance. For instance, in some cases the RF antenna degrades. These issues may not be identified by the BITE, meaning the installation is not operationally effective. As a result of this, limited or incorrect information could be provided to the pilot by the system, endangering the crew. Leonardo’s equipment closes this gap, providing improved ‘capability assurance’ throughout a platform’s operational life.
(Image provided with Leonardo Company news release)
More News
Hazardous Weather Information Summary of significant meteorological information (SIGMET/WS), convective significant meteorological information (convective SIGMET/WST), urgent pilot>[...]
Aero Linx: The T-6 Racing Association The T-6 Racing Association is all about T-6‘s and racing. Our mission is to bring great racing to our fans in Reno and other venues wher>[...]
Also: Electra Aero, AMO-CBP v Smugglers, Naval King Airs, Boeing Deal To the surprise of everyone involved, Waco Kitchen shut down both airport operations with little warning and h>[...]
Also: WACO Kitchen Bails, French SportPlane Mfr to FL, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Innovation Preview Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with>[...]
Also: Virgin Galactic, B-29 Doc to Allentown, Erickson Fire-Fighters Bought, FAA Reauthorization After dealing with a big letdown after the unexpected decision by Skyreach to disco>[...]