PASSIVE ELECTRONIC SUPPORT MEASURES (ESM) TECHNOLOGY IN MILITARY HELICOPTER OPERATIONS

Due to current trends in downsizing of the American military effort, the role of technology has been expanded considerably. The adoption of passive Electronic Support Measures (ESM) offers substantial mission capabilities enhancement. While uses of passive ESM have been previously employed in covert penetration operations for fixed-wing aircraft, recent advances in the helicopter offer opportunities to significantly increase the variety of missions that it performs. Current helicopter systems are quite capable of turning ESM data into targeting information as well as using it for passive/evasive techniques. Ground and helicopter unit commanders will be able to rapidly assess the battlefield environment, thus aiding the warfighter decision-making process. The ultimate use of passive ESM, Integrated Passive Sensor System (IPSS), can provide identification and location of potential threats which will eliminate doubt, increase force lethality and boost early win probability on battlefields of the future.