IMI Multi-BLU Doubles Operational Time in Missile
Threat Area
The Rocket Systems division of Israel Military Industries has
completed development of a new Multi-BLU split IR flare decoy
that is designed to release two flares, therefore doubling the
IR decoy protection without augmenting the number of dispensers
or exceeding weight limitations. The Magnesium-Teflon-Vinton composition
flares are housed in a standard cartridge. The first one is fired
upon command and the second by the built-in pyrotechnic delay
mechanism.
The development of the flare was based on a threat analysis conducted
by IMI, which indicated that standard M-206 flares exceed the
requirements of the majority of helicopters and single-engine
aircraft threatened by standard shoulder-fired missiles. Helicopters
operating in a high-threat area are frequently required to fire
multiple flares to extend their protection during combat missions.
By Tamir Eshel