BAE SYSTEMS HIDAS makes successful first flight

BAE SYSTEMS Avionics' HIDAS, the world's first Helicopter borne fully Integrated Defensive Aids System, has achieved its first flight on board a WAH-64 Apache. During the flight the three HIDAS sensors - radar warner, laser warner and missile warner - successfully provided threat data to the aircraft's multi-function displays.

HIDAS consists of the BAE SYSTEMS Sky Guardian 2000 Radar Warning Receiver incorporating the DAS controller/management software, the BAE SYSTEMS Series 1223 Laser Warning Receiver together with the Sanders AAR-57 Missile Warning Receiver and the W Vinten Vicon 78 Series 455 Countermeasures Dispensing System.

The HIDAS software creates a coherent tactical picture, using composite information from the three threat warning sensors. This provides the data for HIDAS to recognise threatening weapon Systems and to select and implement the most appropriate countermeasures.

HIDAS, which can be used in an Automatic, Semi-Automatic or Manual mode, is designed to increases crew Situational Awareness, reduce the time to react to threats and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of countermeasures.

BAE SYSTEMS was awarded a Development and Production contract in November 1997, by Aircraft Prime Contractor GKN Westland Helicopters Ltd, to deliver HIDAS systems to equip the British Army's new WAH-64 Attack Helicopter.

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