US Navy Develops Threat Warning System for Rotary-Wing Aircraft

MV-22 Osprey: JATAS Ready?(click to view full) The US Navy is looking to improve protection of Navy and Marine Corps tilt-rotor aircraft and helicopters from missiles and rocket-propelled grenades through development of the Joint and Allied Threat Awareness System (JATAS). The JATAS will provide an infrared-based missile and laser warning and hostile fire indication defensive suite. In particular, the JATAS will provide advanced missile warning capability; aircrew warning of laser-based weapon systems such as range finders, illuminators, and beam riders; and a hostile fire indication for small arms, rockets, and other threats. It will be initially tested on the MV-22B Osprey, but will eventually be available for all Navy and Marine Corps rotary-wing aircraft. The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) recently awarded 2 contracts worth a combined $65.3 million for the JATAS technology demonstration phase… Going Modular Key requirements for JATAS include a modular open-system architecture for plug-and-play capability and technology upgrade, improved performance in varying clutter environments with minimal false alarms, as well as the ability to provide an upgraded sensor suite under limited size, weight, power and cooling requirements needed to preserve the aircraft’s load carrying capability. Another requirement for JATAS is hostile fire indication – the ability […]