Israel Develop New Type of Flare to Protect Helo in Combat Zones

Israel Military Industries (IMI) have developed a new spectral flare increasing the survivability of combat helicopters in danger zones

The new flare is smaller and lighter than the currently used ones and enables the helicopter to carry a larger number which allows a longer safe flight in the danger zone. IMI was ready to say that the new spectral flare weighs almost half of the currently used one and is smaller, but was reluctant to give more details.

IMI also refused to give details about the spectral feature of the new flare and just said that it is effective against “advanced threats”.

According to IMI , tests were performed with the new flares that are initially tailored for use on the Israeli air force (IAF) Cobra helicopters.

The IAF uses its Cobra helicopters in missions over the Gaza strip where the Hamas guerilla organization, is equipped with a shoulder launched heat seeking missiles.

Last year, IMI has partnered with Esterline Defense Technologies to produce and market IMI’s new advanced covert flares in the United States. These countermeasure decoy flares provide protection against various infrared guided missile threats at both low and high altitudes.

All the IMI flares have been developed by the company’s Rocket System Division.

Esterline, is an established supplier of Infrared (IR) Decoy flares to the US Government, and the agreement will allow the Israeli company to enter the U.S market.

IMI is also manufacturing a “dark flare” , which is invisible to the human eye.

This flare was developed as part of an effort to equip passenger aircraft with systems that can protect against shoulder launched missiles and is used in the Israel aerospace industries (IAI) “Flight Guard” system.

The “Flight Guard” was not selected for the protection of the Israeli passenger aircraft. Another laser based system made by Elbit systems was selected instead.


Source: Israel Military Industries News – 2 April 2013

Photo: The Israel Military Industries (IMI) Advanced IR Flare (Photo by IMI)


(2.04.2013)