AAR-54

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Intended to detect surface-to-air and air-to-air missile threats by their ultraviolet exhaust signature, the AN/AAR-54 is a missile launch warning receiver for aircraft.^[1] While can be used on fixed-wing aircraft as well as helicopters and ground vehicles, its most common application is to special operations helicopters and low-flying transport aircraft such as the MC-130 COMBAT TALON.^[2]

It is made by Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems.

It will warn the flight crew of the threat so they can take manual countermeasures, but also can link to:

• directional infrared countermeasures devices (DIRCM)
  • AN/AAQ-24(V) NEMESIS (helicopter-oriented)
  • large infrared countermeasures devices (LIRCM) (i.e., for wide-body and similar aircraft),^[3]
• launchers for infrared and radar countermeasures such as the AN/ALE-47

Users

• Australia
• Germany
• Royal Netherlands Air Force
• Portugal
• United Kingdom
• United States
  • United States Special Operations Command
  • United States Transportation Command
  • The technology is being considered for civilian use by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as part of a counter-MANPADS protection system for airliners.

References