Elix-IR provides HFI for helos

David Donald

Friday, 11 September, 2009

Thales UK has been working on missile approach warning systems (MAWS) for some time, but in the past two years, the company has focused on the highly desirable ability to detect small-arms fire. The hostile fire indication (HFI) capability of the Elix-IR system has direct application to the kind of threats being faced by helicopters today in Afghanistan.

Elix-IR is a single-colour infrared MAWS, with four to six sensors distributed around the airframe providing 360° coverage. The sensors have been designed to interface with existing defensive aids subsystems, and can plug in to replace current UV-based MAWS sensors.

The system leverages the technology and algorithms developed for the Typhoon’s infrared search and track system (PIRATE). The ability to discriminate targets at long ranges needed for PIRATE in turn allowed the development of Elix-IR to provide HFI, as well as missile warning. The system also provides the ability to classify incoming fire by analysing its signature.

Another benefit of Elix-IR is that it produces a picture. Although the sensors have a wide field-of-view, the quality of the imagery is such that the picture could potentially be used as a landing aid in ‘brown-out’ conditions. Low visibility landing (LVL) is the subject of considerable research at the moment, in order to reduce the dangers of billowing dust being encountered in-theatre. Pilot reviews of imagery from recent tests of Elix-IR in a dusty environment suggested that it could certainly be a useful aid for LVLs.

Trials of Elix-IR are currently being conducted under the auspices of the MoD’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, and are to conclude at the end of the month. The tests are being performed using various live small-arms against a sled-mounted system. Thales is aiming to have the system developed to a deliverable state by the end of next year. There is considerable interest in Elix-IR’s HFI capabilities, not only from the UK, but also from the USA and Australia.