Aircraft countermeasures put to test Published June 13, 2008 By Maj. Ronald Dunlap III 46 Test Squadron EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 46th Test Squadron's Sensors and Defensive Systems Flight is the lead organization to test aircraft countermeasures here. The focus is on aircraft-dispensed flares used as infrared (IR) countermeasures designed to defeat "heat seeking" surface-to-air or air-to-air missiles. The aim is to divert the missile by forcing it to seek out the heat signature from the flare rather than the aircraft's engine. The effort began in 1990 as a competition between various types of flares with the ultimate goal of selecting the highest performer. Over the years, the program has grown and evolved into one of the largest flare testing efforts in the country. All types of aircraft are examined using varying types of flare combinations. Since its inception, more than 30 different military platforms have been tested as well as countless commercial and foreign diplomatic aircraft. Tests analyze safe separation and effectiveness and measure flare and aircraft IR signatures. This program spans numerous government agencies including various intelligence organizations as well as all branches of the military with emphasis on the special operations community. More than 50 foreign and domestic flares have been tested, verified and characterized in varying aircraft configurations. Thousands of hours and individuals have been involved in enhancing aircraft survivability against some of the most sophisticated IR-guided missiles in the field.