AVR-2
This article may be deleted soon. | ||
---|---|---|
Electronic warfare, in the broad usage, considers all parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, so the AN-|AN/AVR-2 laser warning receiver series is yet another subdiscipline of self-defense for military vehicles: optical countermeasures.[1] Since the first requisite for countermeasures is to be warned of the threat, the first U.S. airborne device, deployed on an AH-1 Cobra, sensed that a laser designator or rangefinder was "painting" the attack helicopter, and sent a new warning signal that appeared on the cockpit display of the existing AN-|AN/APR-39|APR-39A(V)1 radar warning set. [2] Newer versions were deployed on a variety of U.S. Army and United States Special Operations Command attack and transport helicopters, with the primary role of telling the crew to take evasive action. They also act as receivers for the "laser tag" MILES system used for training. Poor EvaluationThe General Accounting Office recommended against production of the AVR-2 series [3] until additional operational tests could be conducted. The prototypes did not do well in 1985 testing, and, while new testing began in 1991, it was cancelled due to priorities of the Gulf War. Interim useTaiwan equipped its OH-58 Kiowa Warrior scout helicopters with the device, in 1997. [4] The United States Navy ordered production in 2002. [5] ReplacementThe AVR-2 series is being replaced by an equivalent function in the AN-|AN/AAR-47|AAR-47(V)2 missile warning system, which detects both the exhaust of threatening missile launchers, and also laser radiation. This system can MASINT#cueing|cue a countermeasures launcher, as well as give warning to the crew. R&D useOptical countermeasures remains a new area of technology, for which the United States Navy has brought into its overall electronic warfare environment simulation system.[6] This environment will make use of the AVR-2. DerivativesThe AN/VVR-1 was introduced in 1994 as a laser threat detector for ground vehicles. References
|