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| F-16 Fighting Falcon in flight. Photo: Wikipedia |
[Avionics Today 11-10-2014] Exelis has teamed up with Airbus to provide advanced missile warning capabilities for U.S. and international F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. Capabilities include lightweight protection against short-range air defense missiles and Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS).
Under the agreement, Exelis is the lead U.S. contractor for the AAR-60(V)2 Missile Launch Detection System for Fighters (MILDS F). The agreement looks to ensure that customers will have access to system affordability, availability and supportability for U.S. F-16 missile warning requirements. Exelis will also provide maintenance and sustainment for all U.S. customer requirements for MILDS F, as well as for future foreign military sales program opportunities. Additionally, the company will assume responsibility for the manufacturing of system components in the United States.
MILDS F, an Airbus Defense and Space system, is optimized for installation on Terma’s Pylon Integrated Dispenser System Plus (PIDS+). It is the only missile warning system that is cleared to fly on board the F-16 platform through the U.S. Air Force’s Seek Eagle aircraft stores certification process.