Patent ID: 6929214

Claim:
A self-contained and standalone conformal air defense (CAD) system adapted to be attached externally to a surface of an aircraft as an appendage, the system comprising: a conformal mounting adapter having an aircraft-to-adapter interface and upper adapter side, said aircraft-to-adaptor interface configured to conform to the surface of the aircraft; a mounting structure having an adapter interface and a mounting side, said adapter interface attached to said upper adapter side; an electronic infrared countermeasures system (IRCM) mounted on said mounting side of said mounting structure, said infrared countermeasures system configured for directing an infrared laser source at an attacking missile to confuse the missile's guidance system; and a cover substantially enclosing said countermeasures system, said cover removably fastened to said mounting side of said mounting structure, wherein the system is configured to operate autonomously independent of crew interaction, requiring only a power source from the aircraft.