Gulfstream Offers Missile Countermeasures

Concern over the vulnerability of government-operated business aircraft to heat-seeking missiles has led Gulfstream to offer an electronic missile jamming system as a retrofit option.

The system chosen was Sanders'AN/ALQ-204 Matador, a combat-proven infrared countermeasures system (IRCM) that has been installed on a variety of civil and military aircraft.

For Gulfstream applications, the Sanders system mounts in the aircraft's tailcone Five G-IV's have received the hardware to date. Several others are having the units installed at Gulfstream's Savannah, Georgia plant.

"In certain parts of the world, government, VIP and corporate aircraft can be vulnerable targets to terrorist organizations equipped with infrared-guided missiles," said Dobie Gilfillan, Gulfstream's IRCM program manager.

"The AN/ALQ-204 system protects Gulfstream IVs from these threats, and soon will be available for Gulfstream Vs. The system can easily be installed during an aircraft's regularly scheduled maintenance visit."

Gulfstream says 19 governments and military units operate 59 G-IV, GIV-SP and GV aircraft. A mockup of the Sanders IRCM system and its FAA-certified installation will be on display here this week.

By Paul Richfield