IR Not a Missile

Since its inception two years ago, the BAE Systems Infrared Counter Measure (IRCM) system has found its way onto seven Gulfstream aircraft, with provisioning completed for another. Called the AN/ALQ-204 Matador, the system is designed to "Spoof" the target acquisition IR sensors of heat-seeking missiles. "In certain parts of the world, government, VIP and corporate business aircraft can be vulnerable targets to terrorist organizations equipped with infrared-guided missiles," said Dobie Gilfillan, Gulfstream IRCM program manager. The Matador system can be installed on a variety of aircraft and for Gulfstream applications, it is installed in the tailbone. "The system can be easily installed during an aircraft's regularly scheduled maintenance visit," said Gilfillan.