TABLE OF CONTENTS The objective of electronic countermeasures (ECM) systems is to prevent an enemy's weapon systems from operating correctly, without resorting to conventional weapons [1-3]. ECM directed against IR-guided weapon systems are distinguished by the name infrared countermeasures (IRCM). Figure 5.1 shows a simple classification of ECM equipment, based on their technical characteristics. The description that follows will be ordered according to this figure.
Before beginning the technical description of ECM systems, it is worth remembering how these systems can be exploited in an operational scenario.
Before explaining the different jamming techniques, it is convenient here to emphasize how an ECM system can be used in different operational modes.
Self-protection jamming (SPJ) is the most common jamming mode. In this mode the ECM equipment is installed in the platform to be defended (i.e., an aircraft or a ship or even a ground site). It is possible to use both noise and deception jamming depending on the actual situation.
In the standoff jamming (SOJ) mode, the ECM equipment is installed onboard a platform that in general is far from the defended area (i.e., far from the reach of enemy weapons). The objective of SOJ is generally to confuse search radars of the enemy air defense line so that friendly intruders can safely penetrate enemy territory (see Figure 5.2).
In order to...
