Elal Boeing 737

Israel-based defence electronics manufacturer and integrator Elbit Systems is showcasing its commercial multi-spectral infrared counter measure (C-MUSIC) system, at the 50th International Paris Air Show currently being held at Le Bourget Airport.

The C-MUSIC system has recently completed its first flight on a Israel carrier El Al’s Boeing 737 passenger airliner.

The flight was part of the ‘Sky Shield’ programme, designed to protect the El Al aircraft fleet against the threat of shoulder fired IR missiles (MANPADS).

In 2012, the C-MUSIC pod system was demonstrated in-flight on a Boeing 707 flying testbed.

The C-MUSIC is an effective directed infrared countermeasure (DIRCM) system designed to provide protection against multiple infrared missile threats to fixed and rotary-wing commercial airborne platforms.

The system integrates Elbit Systems’ advanced fibre laser and thermal imaging technologies to generate a high-power multi-spectral jamming signal to deflect MANPADS from their intended target.

It operates on commercial airliners, VIP aircraft and civilian transport aeroplanes, automatically and safely without having impact on the performance of aircraft.

C-MUSIC has been selected by the Israeli Ministry of Transportation as the protection suite for all the country’s commercial airlines.

It will be installed on Boeing 737, 747, 757, 767, 777 and Airbus A320 aircraft.

"C-MUSIC has been selected by the Israeli Ministry of Transportation as the protection suite for all the country’s commercial airlines."

While some of the aircraft will be equipped with the A-kit attachments, the MUSIC DIRCM systems will be installed on aircraft that fly to destinations or locations reported to be high-risk based on assessments.

Elbit Systems is also showcasing its newest member of the MUSIC directional infrared countermeasure (DIRCM) systems, ‘mini-MUSIC’ at the event currently taking place in Paris.

According to the Israel’s Homeland Security Home, the growth in number of shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles, especially with terrorist groups operation in Asia, Africa and Latin America has increased the demand for DIRCM, protection helicopters, medium and large transport aeroplanes, as well as VIP aircraft and heads of state transportation aircraft (VVIP).

The MUSIC product line now includes four systems: MUSIC, designed for protection of medium to large rotary and fixed-wing aircraft; C-MUSIC, designed for commercial jet aircraft; J-MUSIC, for distributed installation for aircraft such as military transport, air refueling tankers, business jets; and mini-MUSIC for small and medium sized platforms.


Image: The C- MUSIC system has recently completed its first flight on a Israel carrier El Al’s Boeing737 passenger airliner. Photo courtesy of Elbit Systems Ltd.

Defence Technology