Counter Terror Gazette

MANPADS Countermeasures: flares, infrared beams and computer software

18 Apr 2011

For a few years, in the aftermath of incidents in Baghdad and Mombasa, the industry became overtly concerned that terrorists might try to bring down commercial aircraft using man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) or rocket propelled grenades. Anna Costin investigates the technological options available to safeguard aircraft against such a method of attack.    

MANPADS (Man-Portable Aircraft Defence Systems) are lightweight, guided surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). They are on average five feet long and weigh13-18 kilograms. Depending on their type, MANPADS can engage aircraft between three and seven kilometres away and can reach altitudes of 10,000 to 15,000 feet above their launch point – although this is dependent upon the target’s bearing to the launcher, and its aspect. While MANPADS ranges are modest compared to larger missile systems, they are large enough to pose a threat to the safety of aircraft taking off or landing. MANPADS are heat seeking and a commercial aircraft has several heat sources for the missile to track, including engines, power units, air conditioning units and lighting. MORE ONLINE