Device Uses Fiber-Optic Decoy To Thwart Missiles

The US Navy has completed developmental testing of a BAE Systems fiber-optic towed decoy, and has begun operational tests on the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet. The decoy is a key part of a system that will better protect military aircraft against enemy missiles.

The AN/ALE-55 towed decoy is part of the Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures (IDECM) radio frequency countermeasures system. The Navy system provides a highly effective electronic warfare defense against missiles guided by radio frequency. Operational deployment on US Navy F-18s is scheduled for December 2009.

"I am impressed with the progress the IDECM team has made with the ALE-55," said Navy Capt. William Chubb, program manager for advanced tactical aircraft protection systems. "Its performance during development testing clearly demonstrates the potential of the ALE-55 decoy to provide required improvements to aircrew survivability."

Completing developmental testing and entering into operational evaluation "is a tremendous accomplishment for the IDECM team," said Joe Mancini, BAE Systems IDECM program manager in Nashua, New Hampshire. "It brings the AN/ALE-55 one step closer to deployment, providing aircrews with the self-protection they need."

FMI: www.baesystems.com