Introduction
The Terma Smart Agile Secure Countermeasures Dispenser System (SAS CMDS) has been designed to coordinate, integrate, and operate expendable countermeasures payloads on fixed-wing fighter, transport, large-body aircraft and helicopters.
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 5th 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.
Functionality
The SAS CMDS system leverages Terma’s 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 Terma’s Advanced Countermeasures Dispenser System (ACMDS)
Terma’s 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 Terma Pylons and Pod applications (PIDS, PIDS+, MASE, etc…). This allows dispensing of mixed versions of expendables from all platforms.
A block diagram for a typical SAS CMDS installation is illustrated below:
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.