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22 April 2006

Air Force One Anti-Missile Countermeasures: http://eyeball-series.org/af1-ircm/af1-ircm.htm

Eyeballing
Marine One Anti-Missile Countermeasures


Irfrared countermeasures (IRCM) for presidential aircraft were installed in the mid 1980s as infrared-guided, heat-seeking anti-aircraft missiles became widespread. Three models of presidential helicopters show such IRCM devices: the two workhorses in regular use, the VH-3D Sea King and the newer VH-60D Blackhawk. The VH-3D has a pair of IRCM devices at the bottom, the VH-60D has IRCM devices at top and bottom. A third helicopter sometimes used, the VH-1N Iroquois, has a single device at the top. These appear to be AN/ALQ-144A units.

Photos and renderings of the new presidential helicopter under development, termed VH-71, are not clear about IRCM devices.
http://www.eis.na.baesystems.com/brochures/pdfs/01_a91_001.pdf

[Image]
http://www.ausairpower.net/optical-warfare.html

[Image]

Sanders AN/ALQ-144 Infrared Countermeasures Set. Mounted above the tailpipe of an AH-1S Cobra attack helicopter, this ALQ-144 radiates modulated infrared light to jam the seekers of optically guided SAMs and AAMs. This compact 1200W DC/12.7 kg jammer is optimised for low/slow tactical aircraft with over 1300 sets installed on AH-1, AH-64, UH-1 and UH-60 helicopters. Note that this particular Cobra lacks the scabbed on optical detectors of the AVR-2 Laser Warning Receiver which is integrated with the AH-1's internal APR-39 Radar Warning Receiver.

Source of the photographs below: DoD's Defense Visual Information Center.
They are reduced 50%. For full size photos, search on Marine One, HMX-1, and the aircraft model numbers.
VH-3D Sea King 1984

VH-3D Sea King 1991

VH-3D Sea King 1997

VH-3D Sea King 2003

VH-3D Sea King 2003

VH-3D Sea King 2005

Associated Press 2006

VH-60D Blackhawk 1991

VH-60D Blackhawk 1992

VH-60D Blackhawk 1992

VH-60D Blackhawk 2003 (bottom devices hidden)

VH-60D Blackhawk 2003 (bottom device hidden)

VH-1A Iroquois 1988

VH-1A Iroquois 1988