Patent ID: 8654001

Claim:
A method for detecting electromagnetic threats to a helicopter during an in-flight mode of the helicopter, wherein the helicopter is qualified for in-flight electromagnetic intensity qualification values, the method comprising: detecting at least one electromagnetic field external to the helicopter, in a frequency range from 9 KHz to 40 GHz, and in a frequency bandwidth of substantially 40 GHz corresponding to the frequency range using at least one antenna externally affixed to the helicopter; measuring frequency and amplitude of the at least one electromagnetic field and analysing the measured results and determining a field intensity in relation to each measured frequency using a high-intensity radiated field (HIRF) processor on-board the helicopter and in communication with the at least one antenna; comparing the field intensity in relation to each measured frequency with stored electromagnetic intensity limiting values using the HIRF processor, wherein the limiting values are lower than the qualification values; and providing the result of the comparison from the HIRF processor in the form of a warning signal in the case of the field intensities approaching or exceeding one of the limiting values.