Airbus DS Electronics and Border Security (EBS), a business area of Airbus Defence & Space (DS), will equip Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) F-16 fighters and NH-90 helicopters with the MILDS F (Missile Launch Detection System, Fighter) missile warning system, until end of this year. According to Airbus DS EBS, the Dutch Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) awarded the company two contracts in two separate bids. The orders include logistics package concerning repair and spare part management.
Airbus DS EDS is convinced that MILDS F is not subject to the limitations of other warning technologies such as infrared (IR), as the system operates in the solar-blind UV spectrum. According to the developers, the high resolution combined with rapid processing enables very reliable threat identification and virtually eliminates false alarms. Five to six sensors are to provide optimum coverage and rapid reaction. Furthermore, the system offers the ability to detect small arms fire, which is an imminent threat in low-level flights over hostile territory. MILDS F is already in operation aboard Royal Danish Air Force and Royal Norwegian Air Force F-16 fighters.
“Our enhanced MILDS F opens up the superior performance of the fighter missile warner to different flying platforms,” Thomas Müller, Head of Airbus DS Electronics and Border Security, said. “We are using an operational software which includes different code books and configurations to support the various platforms operated by a certain customer. In doing so, we offer customers substantial commonalities without any loss of performance.”
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| The Royal Netherlands Air Force has selected Airbus' DS MILDS F for its F-16 fighters, while another variant will protect its NH-90 helicopters. On the F-16, the system is housed in the central wing pylon. (Photo: Airbus DS) |
Airbus DS EDS is convinced that MILDS F is not subject to the limitations of other warning technologies such as infrared (IR), as the system operates in the solar-blind UV spectrum. According to the developers, the high resolution combined with rapid processing enables very reliable threat identification and virtually eliminates false alarms. Five to six sensors are to provide optimum coverage and rapid reaction. Furthermore, the system offers the ability to detect small arms fire, which is an imminent threat in low-level flights over hostile territory. MILDS F is already in operation aboard Royal Danish Air Force and Royal Norwegian Air Force F-16 fighters.
“Our enhanced MILDS F opens up the superior performance of the fighter missile warner to different flying platforms,” Thomas Müller, Head of Airbus DS Electronics and Border Security, said. “We are using an operational software which includes different code books and configurations to support the various platforms operated by a certain customer. In doing so, we offer customers substantial commonalities without any loss of performance.”
Alexander Kolberg