Electronic Warfare: Laser Warning System Production Should Be Limited
Abstract
The AVR-2 and AVR-2A are intended for use on combat helicopters to protect against threat weapons that rely on lasers for their operation. Some of these weapons are guided by lasers while others are aided by lasers in accomplishing such functions as determining the range to target aircraft. The AVR-2 and AVR-2A protect against such threats by detecting laser energy, providing an audio warning, and displaying the type and location of the threat on a screen in the helicopter cockpit. Based on the warning information, the pilot may launch an attack against the threat or attempt to evade it. The Army started development of the AVR-2 in the 1970s. After the system completed initial operational tests in 1985, the Army modified its design to overcome performance problems and awarded the initial production contract in 1988. The AVR-2A subsequently evolved from additional design changes to the AVR-2. Full- rate production of the AVR-2 was approved in February 1992. The AVR-2A is expected to be phased into production in the early 1993 and deliveries are scheduled to start in July 1993. So far, the Army has contracted for 940 systems, including 519 AVR-2s and 421 AVR-2As. Total program requirements are for 1,782 systems (1,472 for the Army, 254 for the Marine Corps, and 56 for the Navy) at an estimated program cost of $261 million.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA260208
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office