MANPADS countermeasures focused on protecting aircraft at airports

摘要

The man-portable air defence system (MANPADS) is a surface-to-air missile system specially designed to be carried and fired by an individual. Such weapon systems are portable and easily concealed, yet capable of potentially catastrophic destruction. In existence since the late 1960s, MANPADS offer ground troops a level of protection against air attacks, a role in which they have proved highly effective; it is estimated that these weapons have been responsible for a significant number of the combat-related air losses since 1973. The most recent attack using MANPADS against a commercial aircraft occurred in March 2004, when at least one missile was fired on an Antonov AN-12 turboprop aircraft as it took off from Baghdad, Iraq, hitting the wing. In this instance there was no significant damage. In November 2003, however, two missiles were launched at a DHL Airways Airbus A300 cargo jet as it took off from Baghdad Airport, with one hitting the wing and causing near-catastrophic damage. Demonstrating extraordinary skill, the crew managed to overcome a total loss of hydraulics and brakes and land the plane safely.