Story ID: 
Bird Aerosystems Announces Anti-missile Protection Pod
By: Mark Phelps
Caption: Already in service, the system is able to detect incoming air-to-air and surface-to-air threats.
Word Count: 180
Israel-based Bird Aerosystems has announced the availability of its latest anti-missile defense pod, designed for airliners and bizliners, the latter including the Airbus ACJ320 and Boeing BBJ. To help counter what it said is a growing threat of man-portable air defense systems (manpads), the company’s Aeroshield pod incorporates five sensors that detect when an air-to-air or surface-to-air missile has been launched. It also has one sensor that can detect when a missile is approaching, as well as two-to-four flare dispensers (to divert heat-seeking missiles) and an inertial measurement unit.

Bird Aerospace claims that its Aeroshield is the only pod available that both supports flare protection and complies with EASA and FAA civil aviation regulations. The company said several of the pods are already in service with unidentified customers.

The company also noted that the small-footprint pod is easily installed, can be readily transferred from aircraft to aircraft and provides effective protection “with minimal interference to the aircraft.” Besides airborne missile protection systems, Bird Aerosystems also specializes in airborne surveillance, information and observation equipment.