Version Sized for US Dispensers and Launchers
The US Air National Guard (ANG) has recommended fielding the Leonardo BriteCloud 218 expendable active decoy after completing an extensive testing programme on F-16s.
To be designated AN/ALQ-260(V)1 in US service, BriteCloud is unique in the combat air countermeasures market, packing latest-generation DRFM jamming technology into a compact expendable form that can be launched from standard countermeasure dispensers. Unlike traditional chaff and flares, BriteCloud employs a sophisticated on-board EW capability, designed to counter radar-guided threats. Designed and manufactured by Leonardo in the UK, BriteCloud has already entered service with the Royal Air Force, and has been undergoing evaluation for potential service with US DoD operators under the Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) programme.
The fielding recommendation from the ANG is one of the final stages of the FCT programme, and gives the green light to BriteCloud 218 as proven effective and fit for operations. The 2x1x8in size of BriteCloud 218-variant rounds means they are compatible with common dispensers including the AN/ALE-47, and are ready to equip other 4th-generation fighters such as the F-15, F/A-18, F-16 and A-10 fighters. BriteCloud 218 is also an effective protection capability for smaller uncrewed platforms, with Germany successfully trialling the system with target drone aircraft last year.
The original, slightly larger 55mm round BriteCloud 55 is compatible with flare dispensers such as those on the Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab Gripen C/D, and is in use with the Royal Air Force. Its unique combination of latest-generation threat protection with extremely low integration costs continues to generate significant international interest, and Leonardo is in talks with a number of Air Forces about the capability.
