Diehl announced it plans to combine Elbit System´s J-MUSIC (Multi-Spectral Infrared Countermeasure) system into a multi-turret Directed Infrared Counter Measure (DIRCM) system to be integrated into the german A400M Atlas military transport, ensuring complete 360° protection of the aircraft. Diehl and Elbit Systems have signed an exclusive cooperation agreement at the recent ILA Berlin airshow, to equip the Bundeswehr´s Airbus A400M transport aircraft with its self-protection system. J-MUSIC was designed to protect large military and commercial aircraft against man portable infra-red guided anti-aircraft missiles (MANPADS) employed by terrorists worldwide.
In recent months Elbit Systems completed extensive testing of the fiber-laser based J-MUSIC and its the podded version C-MUSIC systems, and has delivered systems to equip several aircraft for customers this year. Several variants of the MUSIC system and modules were already selected to protect the Italian Air Force Lockheed Martin C130J and Alenia Aermacchi C27J military transports and AgustaWestland AW101 CSAR helicopters, as well as the Brazilian Embraer C390 military transports. The cooperation with Diehl further extends Elbit Systems’ access to military and commercial aircraft fleets. In 2013 Boeing and Elbit Systems have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding offering Elbit Systems’ Directed Infrared Counter Measure (DIRCM) systems for a range of Boeing military fixed-wing and vertical-lift aircraft.
By adapting the Israeli solution Diehl will be able to meet the Bundeswehr schedule with operationally-ready DIRCM solution for the A400M in 2015
By adapting the Israeli solution Diehl will be able to meet the Bundeswehr schedule with operationally-ready DIRCM solution for the A400M in 2015. Germany is expected to operate 53 A400Ms positioned to become the largest operator of the Atlas; the first aircraft is currently in assembly and will be delivered to the customer in November 2014.
Exclusive version available for Gold Members
The first A400M Atlas has been delivered to the French Air Force in 2013, followed by the delivery to the Turkish Air Force earlier this year. The RAF is British Royal Air Force will be next, followed by the German Air Force, both receiving their first Atlas this year.
The current intention of the participating nations is to procure a total of 170 aircraft with delivery schedule extending to 2024. Of the 170 aircraft Germany 53, France 50, Spain 27, Turkey 10, UK 22, Belgium 7 and one for Luxembourg. Malaysia has also ordered four aircraft, with deliveries commencing in 2015. Airbus is expecting a second export order to be signed in 2014.
