Ruag Aviation has sold an innovative ECM (electonic counter measures) testing system to the German Air Force for its fleet of Tornado strike aircraft. The Swiss company’s countermeasure advanced system test equipment ("CAST-easy") relies on electronics rather than pyrotechnics to test the chaff and flares that are ejected from aircraft to defeat attacking missiles.

“Qualifying CAST-easy for the Tornado is an important and additional step in proving this simulator solution is suitable for any aircraft needing to rely on self-protection deployment options—jets, helicopters and transport aircraft,” said Benjamin Wepfer, general manager aviation products, Ruag Aviation. “Vibration and acceleration capabilities were of particular interest on the Tornado,” he added. The company says that the electronic CAST-easy unit is highly durable, allowing for well over 2,000 testing cycles. It supports all chaff and flare dispensers, independent of the original equipment manufacturer.

Unlike the UK Royal Air Force, which plans to retire its Tornado fleet in 2019, the German air force will keep the strike jet in service until at least 2025. In conjunction with Airbus Defence & Space, the German air force is upgrading its 85-strong fleet to a new software standard that has introduced a new radar warning receiver; new displays; Link 16; and the GBU-38 and 54 GPS and dual GPS/laser-guided JDAM (joint direct attack munition) bombs. There are also two larger color display screens with improved presentation of information for the laser designator and airborne reconnaissance pods.