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50 mm & 26 mm Infrared (IR) Flares
50 mm and 26 mm Infrared (IR) Flares are countermeasure cartridges used on military aircraft and helicopters to protect against heat-seeking missiles. These flares emit high-intensity infrared radiation, creating false heat signatures to decoy incoming missiles away from the aircraft. They are a critical component of onboard defensive systems for aviation safety.
Chemical Composition & Operation:
Active Ingredients: Typically magnesium-based pyrotechnic
compositions such as Magnesium/Teflon/Viton (MTV) or similar energetic
mixtures, including metal powders and fluoropolymers.
Mechanism: The pyrotechnic composition burns at extremely high
temperatures, producing intense infrared radiation that matches or
exceeds the thermal signature of an aircraft engine.
Emission: Optimized spectral output to effectively decoy
infrared-homing missiles.
Structure: Each cartridge consists of a pyrotechnic payload,
ignition element, and cartridge casing, available in 26 mm or 50 mm
diameters.
Uses:
- Application: Infrared decoy flares for aircraft self-protection.
- Target Threats: Heat-seeking missiles, including air-to-air and surface-to-air infrared-guided systems.
- Platforms: Deployed on helicopters, transport aircraft, and fighter jets.
- Deployment: Fired from onboard countermeasure dispensers such as KDS-23 or APP-50 units.
Key Differences by Size:
- 26 mm IR Flare: Smaller diameter, shorter burn duration, suitable for compact dispensers on lighter aircraft.
- 50 mm IR Flare: Larger diameter, higher-intensity output, used for robust protection on heavy aircraft and larger helicopters.
Operational Advantages:
High reliability, rapid ignition, and optimized infrared emission make
these flares highly effective against modern heat-seeking missile
threats.
Contact us at: info@sae-group.net