Dropping flares from a jet to a helicopter is a tactical maneuver that serves a specific purpose in military aviation.
- Countermeasures Against Heat-Seeking Missiles:
- Flares are used as countermeasures to defend against heat-seeking surface-to-air or air-to-air missiles that are fired at planes and helicopters.
- When an enemy missile is launched, it homes in on the heat signature emitted by the aircraft’s engines or afterburners.
- The flares serve as decoys by burning at thousands of degrees Celsius, which is much hotter than the exhaust heat from the aircraft’s engines.
- By deploying flares, the aircraft attempts to divert the missile away from the actual target (the aircraft) and toward the heat source (the flares).
- How It Works:
- When a missile is detected, the pilot releases a flare dispenser that ejects several flares.
- These flares burn brightly, creating a false heat signature that attracts the missile.
- Ideally, the missile locks onto the flares instead of the aircraft, allowing the aircraft to evade the threat.
- Safety and Professionalism:
- The recent incident involving a Chinese fighter jet detonating flares close to an Australian Navy helicopter was deemed unsafe and unprofessional by the Australian Defence Department.
- The Chinese fighter released flares along the flight path of the Australian helicopter, posing a risk to both the aircraft and personnel.
- The Australian government expressed its concerns to China, emphasizing the need for professional and safe military operations.
Remember, flares play a critical role in protecting aircraft during combat situations, and their deployment requires precision and adherence to safety protocols⁴³. 🚁✈️
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