HEHSİS has been developed to address the increasingly complex threat environment faced by helicopters and low-to-medium altitude fixed-wing aircraft. Modern battlefields are saturated with mobile air defense radars, radar-guided surface-to-air missile systems, MANPADS, and laser target designators. Particularly during close air support, reconnaissance, special operations, and assault missions, helicopters operate within high-risk engagement envelopes. HEHSİS is engineered to ensure survivability under these conditions.

The core operational objective of HEHSİS is to detect threats at the earliest possible stage, classify and prioritize them automatically, and deploy the optimal countermeasure with minimal human intervention. This automated response cycle significantly reduces reaction time—down to milliseconds—while minimizing pilot workload and maximizing platform survivability.

Operational Doctrine and Concept of Use

Unlike legacy warning-only systems, HEHSİS delivers a layered defense architecture:

• Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) for detection of hostile radar emissions
• Missile Warning System (MWS) for incoming missile detection
• Laser Warning Receiver (LWR) for laser designation threats
• RF Jammer (RFJ) for active electronic attack
• Countermeasure Dispensing System (CMDS) for chaff and flare deployment

This architecture enables not only threat awareness but also autonomous threat response management. In low-altitude and high-tempo operational scenarios where reaction time is critical, the system’s automatic engagement mode provides decisive tactical advantage.

System Architecture

HEHSİS is built on an open architecture framework, allowing flexible integration across multiple air platforms. It interfaces with the aircraft mission computer and avionics systems. The system typically consists of:

• Multi-band radar warning antennas
• Missile warning sensors (IR/UV-based; detailed spectral bands not publicly disclosed)
• Laser detection sensors
• AESA-based RF jamming antennas
• DRFM-based signal processing unit
• Countermeasure control module
• Centralized threat evaluation and data fusion processor

The Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) technology allows the system to capture hostile radar signals, digitally manipulate them, and retransmit modified signals to create false targets, range deception, or angle deception. Compared to traditional noise jamming, DRFM-based deception is more energy-efficient and tactically sophisticated.

Survivability Philosophy

HEHSİS integrates both passive and active defensive layers:

• Passive detection layer: RWR, MWS, LWR
• Active defense layer: RF jamming and chaff/flare deployment
• Software layer: Threat library and data fusion algorithms

The threat library can be updated via software upgrades, ensuring adaptability against emerging air defense systems. The open system architecture supports long-term modernization and future threat adaptation.

Ecosystem and Integration

HEHSİS is designed to operate within ASELSAN’s broader electronic warfare and avionics ecosystem. It is compatible with Turkish Armed Forces air platforms and potentially export helicopters and aircraft. Configuration parameters—such as antenna placement, power levels, and countermeasure capacity—vary depending on the host platform.

Advantages Against Modern Threats

Strengths:

• DRFM-based advanced deception capability
• AESA architecture enabling directional and adaptive jamming
• Automatic threat prioritization
• Modular and upgradeable software infrastructure

Limitations:

• Maximum jamming range and output power values are not publicly disclosed
• Performance varies depending on platform integration
• System effectiveness in highly dense electromagnetic environments depends on configuration

Publicly available sources do not disclose detailed classified performance metrics.

Detailed Technical Information

Dimensions and Weight

System dimensions and total weight vary depending on platform integration. Public sources do not provide consolidated system mass data.

Power Supply

The system is powered by the host aircraft’s onboard electrical system. Exact power consumption values are not publicly disclosed.

Performance Parameters

• Reaction time: Reported to operate at millisecond-level response
• Coverage: Multi-band RF coverage (exact frequency range not publicly disclosed)
• Multi-threat processing: Capable of simultaneous multi-threat evaluation (exact number not publicly disclosed)

Sensors and Detection Capability

• Digital wide/narrow band Radar Warning Receiver
• IR/UV-based Missile Warning Sensors (spectral details undisclosed)
• Laser Warning Receivers
• AESA-based RF jammer antennas

Engagement and Countermeasure Techniques

• DRFM-based deception jamming
• Noise jamming
• Automatic chaff/flare dispensing
• Threat prioritization algorithms

Effectors

• Chaff cartridges
• Flare cartridges

Capacity depends on aircraft configuration.

Command, Control and Data Links

Integrated with the aircraft mission computer. Specific communication protocols and data link standards are not publicly disclosed.

Electronic Protection and ECCM

• Advanced electromagnetic spectrum analysis
• Interference management
• Mission recording and post-mission analysis capability

Deployment and Mobility

Fully integrated airborne system. No external ground deployment required.

Crew Requirement

Operated by flight crew; advanced automation minimizes operator workload.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HEHSİS used for?

• HEHSİS protects helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft against radar-guided, infrared-guided, and laser-based threats. It detects, classifies, and neutralizes threats automatically to enhance survivability.

What types of threats can HEHSİS counter?

• It is designed against radar-guided SAM systems, infrared-guided MANPADS, and laser target designators. Its multi-band architecture enables coverage across diverse threat spectra.

How many targets can it track simultaneously?

• Publicly available sources do not specify the exact number. However, the system supports multi-threat detection and prioritization.

Why is DRFM important?

• DRFM enables sophisticated deception techniques by capturing and retransmitting manipulated radar signals, creating false targets or range deception. It is more advanced than traditional barrage noise jamming.

Is HEHSİS a mobile system?

• It is an integrated airborne self-protection suite, not a ground-based mobile system.

What are its international equivalents?

• Various global manufacturers offer helicopter self-protection suites. HEHSİS differentiates itself through its indigenous AESA and DRFM-based modular architecture.

Sources

• ASELSAN official product publications
• ASELSAN defense exhibition presentations (2023)
• Publicly available technical brochures