ATHENA Sensor Brings Generational Leap to Airborne MANPAD Protection
Since their introduction, Man-Portable Air Defense Systems – heat-seeking, shoulder-fired missiles – have been a persistent threat to U.S. Army aviation. Infrared countermeasures, such as Northrop Grumman’s Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM), are highly effective at protecting warfighters from these threats. But CIRCM and similar systems can defeat only what they can see, and its missile warning sensors are critical to survivability. These “eyes of CIRCM” may be the unsung heroes of the countermeasure world, detecting and identifying supersonic missiles almost instantaneously.
Northrop Grumman’s next-generation missile warning sensor (MWS), the Advanced Tactical Hostile Engagement Awareness (ATHENA), provides a generational leap in threat detection capability.
ATHENA is a staring sensor, always on and keeping an eye out for threats. Setting ATHENA apart are its significant increases in resolution and processing power. In operational terms, these advances translate to additional time for warfighters and survivability systems to address threats and greater maneuverability. ATHENA is also able to detect threats beyond infrared guided missiles, including hostile fire and anti-tank guided missiles.
“The longer range and resolution of ATHENA will give warfighters an additional margin of safety in contested airspace,” said Dennis Neel, Program Director, Northrop Grumman.
Aside from sharper vision, ATHENA is also a smarter sensor. Onboard processing provides actionable information instantly while preserving mission computing resources for other functions. This processing power, combined with advanced software that is updated easily to address changing mission requirements, allows for additional survivability capabilities.
One of these capabilities is full spherical situational awareness. Using the multiple sensors on a standard installation configuration, the individual video feeds are seamlessly stitched together. Operators and passengers can view any point in 360 degrees around the aircraft, even “looking through” the aircraft floor.
“ATHENA exemplifies our approach to sensors, using available hardware to perform multiple functions and missions. This increases rotary wing aircraft survivability and provides situational awareness capabilities previously available only on much larger aircraft,” said Neel. “It has the potential to make any aircraft significantly more survivable. Bringing warfighters home safely is the ultimate goal.”
Top Stories
INSIDERManufacturing & Prototyping
Boeing to End 767 Production, Reduce Workforce Amid Ongoing Union Strike
INSIDERManufacturing & Prototyping
Army Receives New Robot Combat Vehicle Prototypes
INSIDERRF & Microwave Electronics
Germany's New Military Surveillance Jet Completes First Flight
INSIDERManufacturing & Prototyping
Army Evaluates 3D Printing for Bradley Fighting Vehicle's Transmission Mount
INSIDERAerospace
Army Seeks to Expand 3D Printing to the Tactical Edge
ArticlesPropulsion
Cummins New X15 Engine Meets Upcoming Regs While Boosting Efficiency
Webcasts
Transportation
The Rise of Software-Defined Commercial Vehicles
Automotive
Avoiding Risk Analysis Pitfalls: Implementing Linked DFMEA, HARA,...
Automotive
A Quick Guide to Multi-Axis Simulation and Component Testing
Software
Best Practices for Developing Safe and Secure Modular Software
Defense
Countering the Evolving Challenge of Integrating UAS Into...
Materials
Similar Stories
Application BriefsDefense
Vehicle Active Protection System
INSIDERDefense
Laser-Based Aircraft Countermeasures Protect Against MANPADS
Application BriefsRF & Microwave Electronics
INSIDERWeapons Systems
PAC-3 Missile Successfully Intercepts Cruise Missile Target
INSIDERPhotonics/Optics
Raytheon Pairs Laser Weapon with NASAMS Air Defense System