It is a fact that a Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) can be launched in about the same time it takes to fasten a seat belt.
Historically, both military and civilian aircraft have been vulnerable to the lethality of MANPADS. During previous conflicts, MANPADS have been responsible for approximately 80% of U.S. fixed-wing military aircraft losses. To date, terrorist-launched MANPADS have been responsible for as many as 1,000 civilian deaths1.
The need to protect commercial, military and head of state aircraft against this proliferated threat is evident.
