RUAG a Partner for Innovative Solutions
RUAG has been serving the Swiss Armed Forces’ air and land-based fleets for many decades. As a result, RUAG specialists have acquired broad-based expertise in maintenance, upgrade projects and modifications, and also in the development, production and support of subsystems. RUAG also offers comprehensive maintenance and repair services for engine components, avionics, communication and command and control systems, and hydraulic and drive systems.
ISSYS (Integrated Self-Protection System)
A single person with a portable missile can pose a serious risk to helicopters. Unfortunately, this threat is very real for civil and military helicopters, particularly in conflict areas. In close cooperation with the original manufacturer SAAB, RUAG has developed an integration and certification system incorporating ISSYS (Integrated Self-Protection System), which means helicopters can be equipped with effective protection as appropriate to the mission they are taking part in. Approaching missiles and target systems are detected by sensors on the helicopter and the crew is alerted of the risk on a display board. The systems can then interfere by dispensing chaff and flare countermeasures (decoys), disrupting radar-based weapons systems and diverting infrared-guided missiles from their targets. RUAG developed these self-protection measures while working on a contract for the Cougar fleet of the Swiss Air Force. The system has been successfully marketed across the globe for some time now, and countries such as Spain, Sweden and Slovenia already rely on the protection offered by ISSYS. RUAG offers its customers a customised package including in-depth advice, system integration, test equipment and maintenance and repair and support services. The package also includes comprehensive analysis services, which ensure that the customer benefits from everything this quality product has to offer – in close cooperation with local partners where necessary.
EW integration partner
As a competent EW (Electronic Warfare) integration partner, RUAG also offers this self-protection system as a POD (Plug-On-Device) with a wide range of adapters, in order to protect as many helicopters as possible against the threat of MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defence Systems). The advantage of the POD solution is that the system is simply mounted to the aircraft as necessary in high-risk situations. It only takes two people roughly 15 minutes to install the system on the helicopter. The helicopter simply needs to be equipped with a small control panel in the cockpit and suspension points for the PODs with a power supply and the appropriate cabling. Other options for displaying threats are also possible. Self-protection systems have been integrated on a variety of platforms, from lightweight helicopters such as the Agusta A109 to the Boeing CH-47 Chinook and the Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet. RUAG also works with SAAB on the ISSYS POD.
For flights in areas of increased threat, the POD can be configured to allow for the installation of advanced sensor technology. To achieve this, laser and radar detectors are installed on the same POD in addition to the optical detectors. RUAG has been granted approval for all of its ISSYS systems based on the EASA guidelines, whether the systems are permanently installed, flexible or an interim solution.
As a complement to the self-protection system, RUAG has developed a test device that can simulate guided missile, laser or radar attacks on targets protected by a self-protection system. The easy-to-program Missim (Missile Simulation) test equipment allows mission-specific threat simulation using different types of sensors with a single easy-to-handle device. This gives the driver or pilot of the sensor-equipped platform the assurance that the protection system is functioning properly under the current conditions. Missim can be configured for all available sensor types in aircraft, land-based vehicles or water craft.
Engineering services
In addition to producing and integrating self-protection systems, RUAG also has considerable specialist expertise in the provision of specific engineering services and aerodynamic testing and analysis, carried out in wind tunnels of varying sizes with the latest infrastructure at hand. RUAG regularly performs aerodynamic testing in these wind tunnels for well-known manufacturers of aircraft, such as Dassault, Pilatus, Boeing and Turkish Aerospace Industries.
A current example of RUAG’s innovative, visionary approach is its research on the aircraft engines of tomorrow. In view of dwindling resources and the debate on climate change, aircraft and engine manufacturers are showing strong interest in new technologies. RUAG Aviation takes these concerns seriously and is working with industrial partners to research new drive concepts. So-called “open-fan” engines with free-running counter-rotating rotors promise a significant improvement in environmental performance compared with current engines.
Generating added value for customers
RUAG has a broad portfolio of technical services, product developments and test procedures. State-of-the-art infrastructure, experience and broad-based expertise make RUAG a reliable and competent partner. Customers appreciate the support provided by RUAG throughout the entire life cycle of their aircraft and vehicle fleet. Whether for original equipment, maintenance, repair and modernisation, or specific equipment projects such as self-protection, ballistic protection, obstacle detection, improvement of drive and target systems or simulation, RUAG draws on its expertise and innovative thinking to provide customers with optimal solutions.
Precision, reliability, versatility and passion: these are the values that drive RUAG in its various areas of operation. RUAG’s goal is to exceed the expectations of its customers and offer them real added value.
