Missile warning device

A missile warning device (also missile warning system , missile warning system , missile warning device , English "Missile Approach Warner" MAW ) describes a system for warning the crew of fighter aircraft , helicopters and armored vehicles of approaching enemy guided missiles .

functionality

This goal was initially achieved by means of radar warning devices , which could recognize when a missile was launched based on the change in the enemy radar signal . Such systems are mainly found in helicopters and airplanes, since armored vehicles are usually not threatened by radar-guided weapons.

Using this procedure, no warning of infrared- guided missiles like the AIM-9 Sidewinder could be ensured. Therefore, modern missile warning devices work on the basis of optoelectronic systems, which work in the infrared and / or ultraviolet frequency range in order to detect approaching guided weapons based on the IR / UV emissions of their rocket engines . Modern systems can also use the emission pattern to determine the type of enemy missile in order to enable targeted and adapted countermeasures.

Armored vehicles often have a warning device with passive laser sensors , as such vehicles are threatened by a large number of laser-guided missiles, such as the AGM-114 Hellfire or the 9K135 Kornet . Laser warning devices can also be found on fighter planes and helicopters.

The crew is warned by means of a corresponding screen, which shows the type and direction of the threat, and usually also by means of an acoustic warning, with modern systems using a computer voice here.