Russian Helicopters announces new anti-missile system

MOSCOW, April 12 (UPI) -- Russian Helicopters Holding Company says it is equipping five models of its military aircraft with a new on-board system to defend against MANPAD missiles and air-to-air missiles.

The defensive system is called President-S, which features a laser illumination detector, an ultraviolet missile approach warning system, an electro-optical electronic warfare system, decoy flares, and a control system.

The design of the President-S also includes a number of units, or stations, which can be placed within the helicopter airframe and on external attachment, the company said.

"Russian Helicopters is working to improve its aircraft by continuously upgrading and equipping them with next-generation onboard systems," said Alexander Mikheev, the director general of Russian Helicopters. "The new President-S will protect helicopters against hostile MANPADs and ensure high flight safety."

The system will be used on the company's Mi-171Sh and Mi-17-V5 multi-functional helicopters, Mi-26T2 heavy transport helicopter, and Mi-28NE and Ka-52 strike helicopters.

Russian Helicopters said 12 helicopters for foreign customers will be equipped with President-S this year; the onboard system is planned to be installed on the Mi-28NE Night Hunter and Ka-52 Alligator in 2017.