Military aircraft in Germany, including Super Hercules, now equipped with advanced self-protection systems for increased safety during operations.
Toughening Up the Skies: Protecting Aircrew with DIRCM Systems
In a bid to beef up aircrew protection, the German C-130J fleet's existing self-defense system will soon receive some additional muscle. Known as DIRCM, short for "Directed InfraRed Counter Measures," these systems target next-gen infrared-guided missiles. Forget about lock 'n' load! The system will deploy transmitted jamming codes (jam code) to deflect incoming missile seeker heads.
Recently, the German Bundeswehr's procurement office signed a contract to partner with main contractor, Lockheed Martin, for the development and integration of these advanced DIRCM systems. Plus, DIRCM systems have already been commissioned for the three government A350 aircraft, with Lufthansa Technik as the main contractor. These projects received the green light from the House of Commons Budget Committee.
Keeping our birds in the air, these retrofits will take place during planned routine maintenance intervals, maintaining operational readiness for all aircraft. With the DIRCM systems installed on the A350 fleet, the German government's air transport readiness will be on par with long-haul aircraft, safeguarding our political-parliamentary air transport.
The first C-130J, aka Super Hercules, is set to sport a self-defense system as early as 2028. All German C-130J aircraft should get their upgrade by 2032. six of these Super Hercules are part of a binational tactical air transport squadron stationed in Évreux, France. Apart from joint tactical air transport duties, this squadron supports special forces operations and offers rapid response in global crisis situations.
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Source: ots
DIRCM systems shield aircraft from heat-seeking missiles, employing a laser or directed infrared beam to confuse or overpower their guidance systems. Integrating DIRCM systems involves linking them with the aircraft's avionics and defensive systems.
Specific timetables for DIRCM installations on German C-130J and A350 aircraft were not found during the search. However, you can typically find precise timelines in official defense announcements or press releases from the German military or defense contractors involved in the project.
- The DIRCM systems, short for "Directed InfraRed Counter Measures," will be integrated with the avionics and defensive systems of the German C-130J and A350 aircraft to provide additional protection against heat-seeking missiles.
- By employing a laser or directed infrared beam, the DIRCM systems are equipped to confuse or overpower the guidance systems of next-generation infrared-guided missiles, thus safeguarding the aircraft and the aircrew.
