Guest Seminar - The development process of the DIRCM dome - Dr. Galit Zilberman

Abstract
Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) are advanced anti‑missile systems designed to protect aircraft from heat‑seeking missiles, particularly man‑portable air‑defense systems, and other similar threats. Earlier infrared countermeasures, such as flares or hot‑block devices that generate random IR flashes, operate in a semi‑ or omnidirectional manner, meaning the missile seeker receives only limited IR energy due to the inverse square law. DIRCM systems, by contrast, direct their infrared output precisely toward the incoming missile using tracking data and a steerable emitter. This focused approach enables a relatively compact system to overwhelm the missile seeker. In this seminar, we will review the development of Elbit’s DIRCM dome—an innovative optical element and the first of its kind worldwide. The development process covers material selection, manufacturing, and optical coating.