The AN/ALQ-144 system is an omni-directional
active infrared Countermeasures Set which protects the EH-1H,
EH-1X, EH-60A, MH-60K, UH-60A, AH-1F, AH-64A, OV-1D, and RV-1D
aircraft from air-to-air and ground-to-air heat seeking (infrared)
missiles. The airborne installed system included in this family
of equipment are designed to provide jamming of threat IR missile
systems. They are active, continuous operating, omni-directional,
electrically fuel-fired IR jamming systems designed to confuse
or decoy threat IR missile systems. The AN/ALQ-144A (1) and (3)
are upgraded versions of the AN/ALQ-144 (V)1 and (V)3 for helicopter
applications. The AN/ALQ-147A (V)1 and (V)2 are designed for
fixed-wing aircraft.
The
AN/ALQ-144A(V)1 CMS is the upgrade version of the AN/ALQ-144(V)1.
This CMS is an active, continuously operating, omni-directional
and electrically fired infrared (IR) jammer designed for use
on helicopters to confuse or decoy threat IR missile systems.
The AN/ALQ-144A(V)1 CMS consists of a transmitter assembly and
an operator control unit. The operator control unit has a nine
pin connector assembly. The total system weight is 30 pounds.
The AN/ALQ-144A(V)1 CMS is designed to provide jamming of all
known IR threat missile systems when operated on helicopters
equipped with low reflective paint and engine exhaust suppressors.
Army helicopters using this system include the OH-58D, EH-60A,
UH-60A/L, and MH-60K.
The AN/ALQ-144A(V)3 CMS
is the upgrade version of the AN/ALQ-144(V)3. It is an active,
continuously operating, omni-directional and electrically fired
infrared (IR) jammer. This CMS is designed for use on AH-1F and
AH-64A/D helicopters to confuse or decoy threat IR missile systems.
The AN/ALQ-144A(V)3 CMS is designed to provide jamming of all
known IR threat missile systems when operated on helicopters
equipped with low reflective paint and engine exhaust suppressors.
The AN/ALQ-144A(V)3 CMS consists of a transmitter assembly and
an operator control unit (OCU) with dual capabilities. The OCU
controls both the AN/ALQ-136(V)1/5 and the AN/ALQ-144(V)3 or
AN/ALQ-144A(V)3. The OCU has a 25-pin connector assembly. The
total system weight is 30 pounds.
The Kiowa Warrior has a unique
problem with the ALQ-144 when it is installed on the aircraft.
Because of its location on the aircraft it is exposed to engine
exhaust. Testing at ATTC, Fort Rucker, demonstrated about 79
hours of flight time before system failure of the ALQ-144. This
number of hours dropped after the first internal cleaning was
performed. Tests were conducted with the modified low smoke combustion
liner installed. Based on ATTC testing the Kiowa Warrior Product
Managers Office (PMO) recommended external cleaning of
the ALQ-144 at the AVUM level every 20 hours/14 day Preventive
maintenance Service inspection as the minimum. Internal cleaning
of the ALQ-144 was recommended at the AVIM level at each PPM
1 thru 15 done on the aircraft; this will insure that internal
cleaning is accomplished every 40 hours. |