BAE Systems unveils 3D warning system for aircraft

The 3DAWS product suite protects aircraft in a multi-threat environment using layered countermeasure defense. It maximizes the effectiveness of current flare and directable infrared counter-measure, and also provides tracking capabilities for future soft- and hard-kill counter-measures.

"With the rapidly evolving threat environment, any future threat detection system must address a first-encounter threat scenario and must do so by efficiently and smartly utilizing fielded and future counter-measure techniques," Cheryl Paradis, director of Threat Management Solutions at BAE Systems, said in a press release.

"Our new 3DAWS solution provides the capability to first make a definitive threat assessment -- determining whether a track is a false alarm or an incoming threat -- and then quickly respond with the appropriate counter-measure."

3DAWS uses a passively-cued, semi-active radio frequency tracker as an adjunct to the company's Common Missile Warning System or any future passive threat detection system.

It is modular and built to open architecture standards. It integrates with all existing U.S. Army aircraft, can be integrated with existing radar or laser warning systems, providing passive systems with a 3D capability.