Exclusive Close-Up: The 160th SOAR’s MH-47G Chinook Flaunts New Laser Countermeasures System
Portland, Oregon – The skies over Portland International Airport (KPDX) recently offered a rare and intriguing glimpse into the ongoing modernization of U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation. On January 9, 2020, aviation enthusiast and photographer Bill Shemley captured stunning close-up images of an MH-47G Chinook helicopter, a signature asset of the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), famously known as the “Night Stalkers.” These photographs are particularly noteworthy as they provide an excellent view of the helicopter’s newly integrated AN/AAQ-24 Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) system, a crucial upgrade bolstering the survivability of these critical special operations platforms.
Understanding the AN/AAQ-24 LAIRCM: A Shield Against Heat-Seekers
The AN/AAQ-24 LAIRCM is a state-of-the-art laser countermeasures system meticulously engineered to protect large military aircraft, including heavy-lift helicopters like the MH-47G Chinook, from the persistent threat of heat-seeking missiles. In today’s complex and often hostile operational environments, Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems (MANPADS) present a significant danger to aircraft operating at lower altitudes or within contested airspace. The LAIRCM system offers an automated, comprehensive infrared countermeasure (IRCM) capability, capable of detecting incoming missile threats and then engaging them with a high-intensity laser. This directed energy jams the missile’s guidance system, effectively diverting it away from the aircraft. This advanced Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) technology is a cornerstone of modern aircraft self-protection suites.
Enhancing Survivability for the “Night Stalkers”
For the 160th SOAR, whose demanding missions frequently involve clandestine insertions, exfiltrations, and direct action in some of the world’s most dangerous territories, every layer of helicopter defense is paramount. The “Night Stalkers” operate predominantly under the cover of darkness and often at low altitudes, making them uniquely vulnerable to infrared-guided threats. The seamless integration of the AN/AAQ-24 LAIRCM significantly boosts the MH-47G Chinook’s survivability, ensuring these indispensable workhorse helicopters can continue to deliver Special Operations Forces (SOF) with precision and an increased margin of safety. This upgrade vividly underscores the U.S. Army’s unwavering commitment to equipping its most elite units with the best available military technology.
Technical Precision: How DIRCM Works
The AN/AAQ-24 system typically comprises multiple Sensor Head Assemblies (SHAs) strategically positioned around the aircraft to provide a full 360-degree sphere of coverage. These SHAs integrate advanced missile warning sensors with agile laser turrets. Upon detecting a threat, the system instantaneously tracks the incoming missile and directs a precisely targeted laser beam onto its seeker, disrupting its ability to home in on the aircraft’s heat signature. This near-instantaneous response is absolutely critical for effective missile defense. The new installation on the MH-47G demonstrates the compact yet exceptionally powerful nature of this sophisticated laser countermeasures system, blending seamlessly with the helicopter’s rugged operational exterior.
A Rare Sighting at Portland International
While the primary base for the 160th SOAR is Fort Campbell, Kentucky, their highly specialized aircraft are regularly observed transiting various airfields across the nation for vital training, maintenance, or operational deployments. The sighting at Portland International Airport (KPDX) provided a rare public opportunity to witness these highly modified and critical military assets up close. We extend our sincere gratitude to Bill Shemley for generously sharing these exceptional images, offering both aviation enthusiasts and defense observers a unique perspective on the continuous modernization efforts within Special Operations Aviation. These detailed photographs not only highlight the physical appearance of the AN/AAQ-24 LAIRCM but also serve as a powerful reminder of the relentless advancements in military technology designed to protect our brave service members.
Conclusion: A Critical Step in Aircraft Self-Protection
The deployment of the advanced AN/AAQ-24 LAIRCM system on the 160th SOAR’s MH-47G Chinooks represents a significant leap forward in aircraft self-protection for one of the most demanding and capable aviation units in the world. As global threats continue to evolve, ensuring the enhanced survivability of special operations aircraft remains an absolute top priority. These visible technological upgrades underscore the continuous innovation vital for maintaining a decisive operational edge in complex environments, allowing the “Night Stalkers” to execute their critical missions with unparalleled safety and effectiveness.
