Final answer:
CMWS are used to defend against infrared-guided missiles by detecting UV radiation and deploying countermeasures. The technology evolved from initial UV observations from the sun in space on V2 rockets post-World War II. Over time, advances in high-energy electromagnetic wave observations have improved CMWS capabilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Countermeasure Systems (CMWS) are sophisticated systems used for detecting and tracking UV radiation from incoming missile threats and deploying countermeasures to protect against such threats. These systems are typically utilized to counteract missiles that are actively guided by infrared homing, which rely on heat signatures to track their targets. The use of CMWS is a crucial aspect of modern defensive measures in both military aircraft and vehicles to enhance survival against missile attacks.
The technology behind these systems has its roots in early explorations starting with the use of V2 rockets after World War II. The US Naval Research Laboratory equipped these rockets with instruments capable of observing ultraviolet radiation from the sun, providing foundational knowledge that would later be adapted and implemented in military technology for defense purposes. Over time, advancements in space-based observations of high-energy electromagnetic waves, including ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma-rays, have contributed significantly to enhancing the capabilities of CMWS systems.