Countermeasures systems

The SAS CMDS dispenser suite is typically controlled via the AN/ALQ-213 Electronic Warfare Controller (EWC) or Defensive Aids Controller (DAC), which provides a reprogramming interface, automatic decision support for the pilot in a complex threat environment, built-in EW training capability, and complete EW suite control, if desired.

The SAS CMDS, introduced in 2019, supports many new cutting-edge capabilities:

• Smart Stores Communication Interface (SSCI) – introduction of the coming NATO STANAG 4781 smart stores interface, enables in-flight communication and optimal use of smart expendables (e.g. Expendable Active Decoy, Hard kill and multi-shot cartridges). The SSCI also ensures automatic expendable type recognition and automatically logs payload logistic information, including air carriage life and use-by-date.
• Unlimited Mixed Payload Capability – the systems enable a fully user programmable mixed payload capability, which is supported by intuitive programming tools and visual indication on the cockpit displays.
• Additional Safety Features – additional hardware-controlled safety functions to support Weight-On-Wheels (WoW), payload load-out restrictions (e.g. chaff or flare only), installation dependent dispense interval limitations to protect aircraft structure, and configurable discrete dispense inhibits per magazine.
• Third Magazine Support – the Digital Sequencer Switch (DSS) is now available in a new variant, which supports 3 magazines. This enables cost effective solutions for many pylon and pod installations.
• Preplanned Improvements – the SAS CMDS is prepared for support of 5^th gen aircraft through preplanned improvements via an expansion board supporting Ethernet interface and door controls.

The SAS CMDS components consist of a series of autonomous line-replaceable units that include:

• Digital Sequencer Switch 
• Safety Switch
• Dispenser Assemblies
• Dispenser Magazines
• Retainer Plates

In addition to the standard Air Force dispenser assemblies, as illustrated below, the ACMDS components have been integrated in applied aerostructures as both scab-on, pylon-mounted, and podded solutions. Examples include:

• F-16 Pylon Integrated Dispenser System (PIDS)
• Modular Aircraft Survivability Equipment (MASE)
• Modular Countermeasures Pod (MCP)

All of the above have the ability to integrate both SAS CMDS and missile warning systems.

Benefits

The Terma Smart Agile Secure Countermeasures Dispenser System (SAS CMDS) provides a number of benefits compared to other solutions on the market:

• Smart Stores Communication Interface (SSCI) for support of both multi-shot cartridges and expendable active decoys (EAD) 
• True Mixed payload capability, up to 90 different payloads
• Modular system architecture
• Secure architecture for system integrity
• Simultaneous, dual dispense of multiple payloads
• Long-term adaptability to evolving threats
• Platform adaptable, hardware-controlled safety features
• Configurable back-up mode, allowing smart dispensing without ACMDS controller
• Programmable firing characteristics, supporting smart and multi-shot payloads
• Synchronous and asynchronous dispense patterns
• Field reprogrammable by end user

The SAS CMDS system leverages our ACMDS, which has been installed on 2,500+ aircraft worldwide, with more than 25 different platforms.

The SAS CMDS system builds upon the combat-proven and currently operational components of our Advanced Countermeasures Dispenser System (ACMDS)

Our ACMDS has been operational for more than 25 years with a demonstrated mean time between failure of >18,000 hours.

The SAS CMDS includes mixed payload capability within a magazine, including all versions of our Pylons and Pod applications (PIDS, PIDS+, MASE, etc…). This allows dispensing of mixed versions of expendables from all platforms.

The SAS CMDS includes a full suite of support equipment including Dispenser Test Adapters, Payload Simulator & Stray Voltage Tester, and Dispense Program Analyzer. In addition, it includes a versatile suite of software applications for field/in-country organic mission data generation and post-flight analysis called T-Ops.