| AN/AAR-47 MAWS | |
|---|---|
| Missile approach warning system | |
_AN_AAR-47_Missile_Warning_System(right_front)_at_Miho_Air_Base_May_28%2c_2017.jpg) AN/AAR-47 sensor onC-130H Hercules aircraft | |
| Status | In use |
| Manufacturing Info | |
| Manufacturer | Northrop Grumman |
| Introduced | 1983 (1983) |
| No. Produced | >6,600 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 2.2 m (7.2 ft) |
| Diameter | 40.6 cm (16.0 in) |
| Weight | 208 kg (459 lb) |
| Usage | |
| Used by Military | |
| Variants | SeeVersions |
TheAN/AAR-47 Missile Warning System is aMissile Approach Warning system used on slow moving aircraft such ashelicopters andmilitary transport aircraft to notify the pilot of threats and to trigger the aircraft'scountermeasures systems. Its main users are theU.S. Army,U.S. Marine Corps,Navy andAir Force, but is also operated by other countries. Originally developed byLoral (now part ofBAE Systems), and later dual-source procured from Loral Infrared & Imaging Systems andHoneywell Electro-Optics Div., both inLexington, MA,[1] it has been a product ofAlliant Techsystems[2] 100 to 300 sets have been manufactured per annum.[1] (ATK) since 2002, nowNorthrop Grumman.
The AN/AAR-47 passively detects missiles by theirinfrared signature,[3] and uses algorithms to differentiate between incoming missiles and false alarms. Newer versions also havelaser warning sensors and are capable of detecting a wider range of threats. After processing the nature of the threat, the system gives the pilot an audio and visual warning, and indicates the direction of the incoming threat. It also sends a signal to the aircraft'sinfrared countermeasures system, which can then for example deployflares.[4][5]
The system's algorithms include looking for temporal variations in a signal's strength, such as the brightening of an incoming missile. It also evaluates the spectral bandpass of the threat to reduce false alarms and has software for detecting events, such as the launch of asurface-to-air missile.[4]
The AN/AAR-47 is a line of missile warning systems by Loral and ATK Alliant Techsystems. The development of the original AN/AAR-47(V)1 began in 1983 by Loral. ATK became a second production source in the mid 90s and eventually became the prime contractor. In 1998 ATK began production of the improved AN/AAR-47(V)2 version, which added laser warning functionality.[2] As of 2005, over 5000 of these sets have been manufactured.[6] In 2006, production of the AN/AAR-47A(V)2 began, also developed by ATK. It has further improved missile and laser warning capabilities.[7]
A further developed model, AAR-47B(V)2, reached initial operating capability in 2008. It adds Hostile Fire Indication (HFI), which is the ability to detect incomingrocket-propelled grenades andtracer ammunition in addition to an overall improvement in missile detection.[4][8] The U.S. Navy placed orders for over 1600 in 2009.[9]
The AAR-47 missile warning system consists of 4 Optical Sensor Converters (OSC), a Computer Processor and a Control Indicator. The system is relatively light at a total weight of approximately 32 pounds.[4]
There is one optical sensor converter for each side of the aircraft. They have an infrared camera for detecting incoming missiles. The Optical modules since version AAR-47(V)2 include a laser warning sensor, and versions since AAR-47A(V)2 further incorporate an ultraviolet sensor for improved dynamic blanking laser warning detection.[10]
The computer processor evaluates the data from the OSC:s and analyzes whether a detected event is an incoming missile. If a threat is detected, it sends a signal to the control indicator which informs the crew, and the aircraft's infrared countermeasures system.
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| ActiveCountermeasures (Jamming) | |
|---|---|
| PassiveRadar Warning Receivers | |
| Missile Warning Systems | |
| Flare andChaff Systems | |
| Directional IRCM | |
| Dedicated ECM /ESM aircraft | |
