The flagships of German government flight operations are to be equipped with a self-defense system to defend against infrared-guided missiles.
After the Defense and Budget Committees of the German federal parliament had previously approved the project, Lufthansa Technik AG was officially commissioned today by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to equip the long-haul fleet of the Federal Ministry of Defense’s Special Air Mission Wing.
The three Airbus A350s, for whose conversion Lufthansa Technik had already acted as general contractor, will be equipped with a so-called DIRCM system from the manufacturer Elbit Systems.
DIRCM stands for “Directed InfraRed Counter Measures” and comprises systems for protection against enemy guided missiles, usually fired from the shoulder (so-called Man-Portable Air Defense Systems, or MANPADS for short) and using infrared seeker heads. Through DIRCM, the latter is specifically deflected by transmitted jamming codes. The aircrew does not have to actively intervene. Such systems are already in use on various aircraft types worldwide and offer proven, high-quality protection for VIP and head of state aircraft as well as military platforms.
“The Special Mission Air Wing is responsible for Germany’s political-parliamentary flight operations. In view of increasing global instability and regional conflicts, the use of MANPADS by non-state actors, among others, poses a concrete threat,” said Michael von Puttkamer, Vice President Special Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik.
“The security situation demands that Germany ensures the protection of its own leadership. We are therefore proud of this lighthouse project with Elbit Systems and Airbus and look forward to contributing our expertise.”
“We look forward to working with Lufthansa Technik in this important area, as any improvement in platform protection is of great importance,” said Wolfgang Bauer, Chief Executive Officer of Elbit Systems Deutschland. He emphasized the good cooperation and explained: “We are proud to work with Lufthansa Technik on this important project and thus further strengthen the impact and trust in our solutions.”
Image: BAAINBw
The contract awarded to Lufthansa Technik represents the world’s first modification of an A350 aircraft with such a self-defense system. In order to keep availability for flight operations as high as possible, Lufthansa Technik will equip the three aircraft with the DIRCM system one after the other during their regular maintenance layovers. The company will work closely with Elbit Systems and Airbus.
About Lufthansa Technik:
The Lufthansa Technik Group is one of the leading providers of technical aircraft services in the world. Certified internationally as maintenance, production and design organization, the company employs more than 24,000 people in dozens of locations around the globe. Lufthansa Technik offers the full range of services for commercial, VIP and special mission aircraft. The portfolio includes maintenance, repair, overhaul and modification of airframes, engines, components and landing gears, as well as the manufacture of innovative cabin products and digital fleet support.
About Elbit Systems Deutschland:
Elbit Systems Deutschland is the German presence of Elbit Systems Ltd. an international high technology company engaged in a wide range of defense, homeland security and commercial programs throughout the world. The Company operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (“C4ISR”), unmanned aircraft systems, advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, signal intelligence systems, data links and communications systems, radios, cyber-based systems and munitions. The Company also focuses on the upgrading of existing platforms, developing new technologies for defense, homeland security and commercial applications and providing a range of support services, including training and simulation systems.
Featured image credited to Lufthansa Technik
