ASPS Self Defense System
Manufacturer Elisra Electronics Systems
Advanced Self Protection System (ASPS), a new generation of
self-defense system, developed by Elisra Electronics Systems. The
system includes both passive and active subsystems, and
incorporates, for the first time of an F-16, both full azimuth
coverage RWR and passive (EO) Missile Warning System (MWS). The
system can detect pulse, CW, High PRF and Pulse Doppler signals,
discriminate them from interference and prioritize the most
threatening ones. The system points at a valid threat both visual
and audible means. The MWS can also track a threat throughout the
engagement. After detecting a missile threat, by its infrared
signature, filters the background clutter by a narrow spectral
window optimized to real-time signal, by an adaptive threshold. The
threat assessment is determined by a after a rapid target
algorithm, which tracks each threat frame-by-frame, analyzes target
maneuverability, relative position, inertial data and angular
velocity and intensity.
By using infrared imagery and signal processing, PAWS-2 detects and
tracks incoming missile's hot plume as it appears within a
protective sphere surrounding the aircraft. The system
discriminates between threatening and non-threatening missiles, by
evaluating the missile's trajectories. When it detects a
threatening missile, PAWS-2 alerts the aircrew with a warning
signal and automatically activates countermeasures such as flares
and DIRCM. The ASPS' active subsystem (jammer) can be used against
enemy radars and radar guided threats. The system can employ a rich
repertoire of deceptive signals, at various frequencies and power
levels, to employ Doppler, range, AM and various noise techniques.
The system is also integrated with the Advanced Countermeasures
Dispensing System (ACDS) built by BAE Systems' Israeli based
subsidiary (formerly Rokar International). ACDS controls and
dispenses various types of countermeasures, including chaff, flares
and RF decoys produced by IMI, that adapt to the various phases of
the engagement parameters. Special designs allows the ACDS to fire
dual chaff cartridges double the number of on-board chaff stores
per mission, and fire multi-spectral flares to response or a
stronger decoy signal. The EW cockpit displays are provided by the
Terma.ASPS Self Defense System
Manufacturer Elisra Electronics Systems
http://www.defense-update.com/products/a/asps.htm
Theoretically speaking, this system (which is used in Israeli F-16I
Sufas) can detect passive missile threats such as heatseekers.
Previously, pilots had no idea a heatseeker has acquired them until
a wingman warns him, (which may be too late anyways). I'd give this
one a thumbs up as an effective well rounded EWS.
