Cassidian, the defence division of EADS, is a world leader in defence and security solutions. The company displayed its defence and security solutions at the MAKS 2013 International Aviation and Space Salon in Moscow which took place from August 27 to September 1. At MAKS 2013, the defence division of EADS mainly focused on:

• Optronics solutions for self-defence and countermeasures of airborne military platforms.
• Security radar for border and infrastructure surveillance.

Optronics solutions for airborne platforms

Missile Warning System (MILDS) AN/AAR-60. It especially meets the requirements for self-defence of helicopters and wide-body aircraft in order to counter the increasing threat by IR-guided missiles. MILDS is an advanced, passive imaging sensor which detects and tracks the ultra-violet (UV) emissions of approaching missiles including the prevalent use of heat-seeking shoulder-launched man-portable air-defence systems. The MILDS system tracks and identifies UV sources through its imaging sensor, which determines the angle of attack and priority. The system then accurately initiates proper countermeasures and warns the pilot to begin necessary evasive manoeuvres. More than 7,000 sensors have been sold for platforms such as the UH-60/SH-60, CH-47, CH-53, S-70, SH-3, Mi-8, Mi-17, Mi-171, NH-90 and many others.

ALTAS. The advanced laser threat alerting system (ALTAS) detects laser range finders, laser target designators and, with the additional beam rider channel of ALTAS-2QB, is also able to detect solid state beam rider sources. The system delivers all parameters required to initiate relevant countermeasures. ALTAS can be easily integrated into higher level electronic warfare suites using standard interfaces. It permits easy installation and integration on all airborne military platforms.

ARGOS-II. The ARGOS-II (airborne observation system) enables helicopters to pinpoint and observe troop movements. Moving targets can be tracked reliably for fire control systems and precise target coordinates can be sent to other units. The robust observation equipment is all-weather which can operate in inclement weather, extreme temperature fluctuations, sandstorms and extreme cold conditions.

SferiSense helicopter laser radar system. The SferiSense helicopter laser radar system is designed for use in helicopters. The system scans the area ahead of the helicopter using a laser beam that poses no danger to the human eye. It can detect even thin wires with a high level of precision at a distance of over one kilometre. MilOWS classifies potential obstacles in the categories wires, masts or individual standing objects as obstacle symbols that are superimposed onto a video or forward looking infrared video. The pilot sees this information on the visor of his helmet or on a multifunctional display in the cockpit. Alarms also sound when an obstacle or the ground is dangerously close.

Border Surveillance Systems

SPEXER 1500 Security Radar. SPEXER 1500 security radar has been designed for the surveillance of border areas and critical infrastructures such as oil fields and military camps. It is able to detect, track and classify a large variety of objects. It is using the latest radar technology of active electronically scanning array (AESA) providing a multi-tasking and multi-mode capability that increases the detection and target assessment capability substantially. Its detection capability is very good e.g. it can detect a pedestrian at 15 km with a 0.5 m² radar cross section (RCS) and a light vehicle at 18 km with 2.0 RCS. SPEXER 1500 is part of Cassidian’s SPEXER security radar family which consists of several sensors, each optimised for specific applications in the fields of border, infrastructure, perimeter and coastal surveillance. The SPEXER radars are the first operational land-based surveillance radars worldwide using AESA technology as well as innovative digital beam forming technology benefiting from the company’s experience gained in the military sector.