The armed forces have recognised the increasing threat to their tactical aircraft from anti-aircraft infrared guided missiles. A high percentage of aircraft losses in current and recent conflicts were from ground based defensive systems using infrared surface-to-air missiles (IR SAMs). The threat of passive anti-aircraft missiles is evident. They are an undeniable danger to the aircrew and the aircraft.
To cope with this threat, HENSOLDT developed the Missile Launch Detection System AN/AAR-60, known as MILDS. Its original configuration it is qualified for installation on-board a wide variety of tactical rotary-wing and wide-body aircraft including NH-90, Tiger, UH-60, CH-47, C-130 and P-3. With thousands of sensors sold so far, MILDS has earned a worldwide reputation for reliability and effectiveness.
MILDS is a passive, true-imaging sensor device optimised to detect the radiation signature in the UV solar-blind spectral band that is emitted from an approaching hostile missile exhaust plume.
MILDS detects incoming missile threats, indicates the direction of arrival precisely and with maximum warning time and releases countermeasures automatically. The inherent high spatial resolution of MILDS sensors combined with advanced signal processing enables a reliable declaration while virtually eliminating false alarms.
MILDS comprises up to six sensors that provide high resolution and high sensitivity without the need for extra cooling. The MILDS F Countermeasure Signal Processor (CSP) has a highly sophisticated processing capability and hosts all interfaces to the aircraft as well as an internal recording capability for post mission analysis.
MILDS represents high quality and stability, combined with integrity and expandability of the entire system without causing any electromagnetic compatibility problems on board. MILDS offers easy installation due to extremely low weight and size with high comfort and fast processing of missile threats at the same time. A high mean time between failures (MTBF) is possible because no moving parts are used in the MILDS systems sensors.
MILDS is one of the main sub-systems of HENSOLDT’s Airborne Missile Protection System AMPS.
HENSOLDT has equipped the Belgian Air Force F-16 fighters with its proven AN/AAR-60 (V) 2 MILDS F missile warning system integrated into Terma’s weapon pylon PIDS+ (Pylon Integrated Dispensing System). With this contract the majority of the European F-16 operator countries (Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands and Belgium) are relying on HENSOLDT’s MILDS F to protect their F-16s.
“MILDS F with its very low false alarm rate and fast detection combined with automatic initiation of countermeasures relieves the pilot’s workload in time-critical situations and ensures the safe return of both crew and aircraft”, explains HENSOLDT CEO Thomas Müller.
More than 7,000 MILDS sensors have been sold worldwide, and are installed on numerous platforms, including NH90, Tiger, CH53, Cougar, Puma, EC635, EC 645, CH-47, UH60, EH101, A129, AH1, S70, UH1, AB205, AB412, BK117, KUH, Cheetah, Mi-17, CN235, C295, C27J, C130, P3C, P-1, BBJ, A340, B747.
HENSOLDT is a pioneer of technology and innovation in the field of defence and security electronics. Based in Taufkirchen near Munich, Germany, the company develops new products to combat a wide range of threats based on innovative approaches to data management, robotics and cyber security.
With approximately 5,500 employees, HENSOLDT generated revenues of 1.14 billion Euros in 2019.
