MTV pyrothecnic composition analysis for use as flare against missile IR

Abstract

In order to adequately ensure the protection of aircraft used in combat against the action of infrared (IR) guidance missiles, countermeasure artifacts called flares have been created, aiming to produce a radiant intensity similar to that produced by the aircraft in a way that can attract IR missiles, opportunizing their escape. One of the earliest chemical compositions of flares tested, which would become the most commonly applied, used magnesium, in addition to fluorinated polymers Teflon® and Viton®, which is why they are called MTV or conventional flares. This article aims to demonstrate a study with some chemical formulations of MTV so that, through characterization tests, the suitability, advantages and disadvantages for its use as IR guided missile flares are analyzed. A bibliography on the topic will be presented to define the chemical formulations to be tested. Results produced by artifacts will be presented, characterized by some essays and confronted in relevant literature. Comparing the results with standard flares data available in the literature, the possibility of using / improving one or more formulations as IR missile flares as well as the advantages / disadvantages of each, paving the way for the nationalization of MTV flares.