The MANPAD threat to commercial aircraft

The man-portable air-defence (MANPAD) missile threat for non-countermeasure equipped commercial aircraft is high during approach and departure. Modelling reported here has shown for one particular type of missile, the SA-7b, that the threat can be minimized if a Spiral Approach is used. Since the spiral is flown offset to the airport, it is recommended that the first turn be away from high threat areas to ensure most of the approach is over lower threat zones. The SA-7b was more successful against aircraft on departure compared to on approach. Evasive manoeuvres during departure are limited and thus rate of climb should be maximized, which can be done by reducing fuel and/or take-off weight. Threat area footprints were developed to determine the MANPAD danger areas an aircraft is exposed to when using a high threat airport. The Spiral Approach and Standard Departure footprint was the smallest and contains much of the area occupied by the airport, which most likely is already secured. Therefore this combination is recommended for use for civilian aircraft when a MANPAD threat is present.