Airbus tests HFI concept for Germany

Airbus Helicopters has conducted the first testing phase of a research and technology study for a Hostile Fire Indication (HFI) concept for the German armed forces, it was announced on 4 April.

The study aims to demonstrate different technologies that can detect infantry gunfire with calibre ranging from 5.56mm to 20mm, including non-tracer ammunition. The first test flight using a CH-53G demonstrator helicopter was carried out on 30 March at the technical and airworthiness centre for aircraft in Manching, Germany.

The HFI concept consists of acoustic and infrared sensors on the CH-53G airframe that can detect and localise hostile fire by sound and muzzle flash. A radar system will also perceive any bullet-sized object directed towards the helicopter. The generated data of each technology will be merged to assess the performance of a possible HFI system.

The first test phase focuses on the functionality and integration of the acoustic and infrared sensors and their effect on the helicopter flight. Radar integration will take place during a later phase. A flight test campaign with fire tests is planned to be conducted at the end of 2016. This campaign is scheduled to be repeated twice in 2017, with final study results expected in the second half of 2017.

Klaus Przemeck, head, military support centre, Airbus Helicopters Germany, said: ‘Small arms can inflict serious damage on a helicopter in flight, even if the attacks do not have a direct effect on the operability of the aircraft and remain unnoticed until after the mission.

‘The HFI study aims to demonstrate a technology that not only warns the aircrew about the threat in order to be able to redirect other aircraft from the danger zone, it should also report the precise position of the enemy infantry for fast countermeasures.’

The consortium working on the project is led by Airbus Helicopters, and includes Fraunhofer FKIE, Rheinmetall Defence and Airbus Defence & Space.