Our research, in collaboration with Chemring, helped to develop sensors that detect and counter missiles to enhance aircraft survivability.
Key facts
- We have studied infrared missile-seeker and countermeasure modelling to understand the use of pre-emptive infrared countermeasure launches.
- The research also contributed to the development of algorithms for a new hardware product.
- Funded by A collaborative project with Chemring as a part of a long-term strategic partnership with the aerospace, defence and security technology producer.
Impact of our research
The project has helped to refine and extend the modelling tools used by our strategic partner Chemring, a leader in countermeasures and the technology of counter-improvised explosive devices.
The collaboration delivered a product improvement plan for the model and produced insights in specific areas of countermeasure developments, such as pre-emptive deployment for future products.
The research faithfully replicates what happens in the real world, therefore increasing the accuracy of the model. The enhanced CounterSim model delivers much better support for studying countermeasure applications for customers in the UK and overseas in both the military and civilian markets.
Among other achievements, the research also contributed to the development of algorithms for a major new hardware product, the Centurion launcher.
Why the research was commissioned
Any measures to counter missile attacks on targets have to understand the behaviour of electromagnetic radiation produced by the missile, the target or any counter measures, such as sensors.
Modelling optical and radiofrequency (RF) radiation at Cranfield is a crucial focus of current and future business for Chemring. The company uses computer models and simulations for studying countermeasure applications for its UK and overseas customers.
Why Cranfield?
The University is a trusted and influential partner of the Ministry of Defence and a long-term strategic partner of Chemring. The Centre for Electronic Warfare Information and Cyber is our focal point for research, education and consultancy into electronic attack, electronic protection and electronic warfare support. Our staff and capabilities are widely respected within the defence and security sector and often engaged to consult by a range of organisations.
Cranfield has studied infrared missile seeker and countermeasure modelling to understand the utility of pre-emptive launching of infrared countermeasures to enhance aircraft survivability and the ability to combat the advancing threat missile systems including countermeasures in the ultraviolet region.
