Leonardo to Provide pre-flight Threat Simulation Support to UK MoD

Leonardo will provide 5 years support to UK MoD for its pre-flight threat simulation equipment for multiple air platforms.

The unique capability assurance solution delivers  through the supply of specialist RF-emitting equipment that ensures a defensive aids suite which will work correctly during a mission.

Being highly valued by customers and delivering reliable services, Leonardo is the UK Ministry of Defence’s partner of choice for the protection of air platforms and their crews.

Leonardo’s threat simulation equipment  uses special RF-emitting ‘hoods’ and handheld devices to target the particular platform’s sensors and simulates threats using real radar energy whilst the aircraft is still grounded. By performing this preliminary check, the user gains increased confidence that the platform’s RF defensive systems are operationally effective before embarking on a mission.

The majority of Defensive Aids Suites (DAS) on air platforms come with ready installed ‘built-in-test-equipment’ (BITE), which signals to the pilot that the equipment is working as designed. In some cases the RF antenna degrades. These issues may not be identified by the BITE, meaning the installation is not operationally effective. As a result of this, limited or incorrect information could be provided to the pilot by the system, endangering the crew.

Leonardo’s equipment closes this gap, providing improved ‘capability assurance’ throughout a platform’s operational life.