BriteCloud - Active protection against modern threats

The active LEONARDO decoy BriteCloud - the world's first and currently only decoy with DRFM technology that fits into a standard chaff and flare dispenser and has proven to be effective in real conditions - is arousing great interest. A number of nations are testing the product, including the United States. The US Air National Guard conducts the tests on the F-16 flight patterns.

"BriteCloud is a next-generation RF decoy capable of protecting aircraft from the latest radar-guided threats while providing an economical upgrade as it fits directly into an aircraft's existing countermeasures system and does not require expensive platform integration," said Rob Laidlar, Head of Campaigns at Leonardo.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, BriteCloud has entered service with the Royal Air Force. BriteCloud is available internationally, serving as a valuable option for protecting aircraft platforms around the world.

"Customers are looking for the best possible protection against modern threats," says Laidlar, noting, "BriteCloud uses Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) jamming technology, recognized as the 'gold standard' for protection against radar-guided surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles applies.”

DRFM technology enables BriteCloud to detect and process incoming radar signals and emit a deceptively real electronic 'ghost signal' that causes radar-guided threats to follow the decoy instead of the aircraft. Leonardo is proud to be the only company in the world that has managed to miniaturize this technology to fit in a standard chaff and flare dispenser.

Developed in conjunction with the UK Royal Air Force (RAF) Rapid Capability Office, BriteCloud was cleared for operational use on the RAF's Panavia Tornado fighter jets before that type was retired in early 2019. Work is underway to introduce the 55mm cylindrical version of BriteCloud to the RAF's Eurofighter Typhoon fleet.

This 55mm version of the BriteCloud is suitable for a variety of platforms including unmanned systems and guided missiles. The BriteCloud 218 variant is compatible with any platform that uses standard 2x1x8 inch dispensers, including the F-15 and F-16 aircraft. BriteCloud was recently tested in cooperation with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., being launched from the MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle.

Because of BriteCloud's unique capabilities, the US Department of Defense has selected the decoy for the US Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) program, which could result in BriteCloud being used by the United States Air Force (USAF) Air Combat Command and other US forces is used. The US Air National Guard is leading the FCT evaluating BriteCloud on US Air Force ANG F-16 aircraft. The trials will prove BriteCloud's ability to significantly improve the survivability of F-16 aircraft.