BAE Systems’ CMWS software update achieves CDR

The latest software update for BAE Systems’ Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) has completed Critical Design Review (CDR), marking a key milestone in the advancement of integrated infrared threat detection for rotary-wing, transport, and tactical aircraft.

The Integrated Aircraft Survivability Equipment (IASE) software update has been developed to reduce pilot workload and improve survivability by consolidating critical mission data into a single Pilot Vehicle Interface. The system’s open architecture also enables threat data to be integrated into multiple platforms without costly upgrades or additional equipment.

The CDR highlighted the system’s ease of integration with other survivability technology, including the ability to accept data from both radar and laser warning receivers.

Bill Staib, director, Threat Management Solutions, BAE Systems, said: ‘Our CMWS has nearly a decade of proven success, flying more than 2 million in-theatre combat hours and saving countless aircraft and lives. The newest version builds on the success of the existing technology and delivers enhanced integration and survivability capabilities to our armed forces.’

BAE Systems has already showcased another improvement to CMWS’ capabilities, a next-generation Enhanced Ultra-Violet (EUV) Threat Warning Sensor that improves the CMWS system’s core detection capability. With the EUV sensor, the system can detect threats at longer ranges in harsher conditions and better distinguish from clutter, quickly and accurately locating threats for heightened countermeasure effectiveness.

The IASE and EUV product updates follow the release of CMWS Gen3, which included the initial US Army fielding of the system’s hostile fire indication to detect and evade small arms fire and new data recording. The recording capabilities provide users with immediate, detailed post-mission analysis to allow for further survivability actions and improvements.