Final answer:
The CMWS (Countermeasure Warning System) is an advanced defense system for aircraft that works separately from radar and infrared warning systems, using different types of sensors to detect threats and deploy countermeasures autonomously.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Countermeasure Warning System (CMWS) is an advanced defense technology designed for aircraft protection. The CMWS is completely separate from the radar and infrared warning systems. Designed to detect and evade threats, CMWS is part of a suite of systems aboard military aircraft that work together to provide comprehensive defensive capabilities.
Unlike radar warning receivers which detect radar signals indicating targeting by enemy radar-guided weapons, and infrared warning systems that sense the heat from incoming missiles, CMWS uses a combination of sensors. Such systems usually include UV (ultra-violet) and RF (radio frequency) sensors to identify the signature of a hostile missile launch. Once a threat is detected, CMWS can deploy countermeasures like flares or chaff to confuse and divert incoming missiles.
The sophistication of CMWS lies in its ability to operate autonomously, rapidly processing threat data and deploying countermeasures without pilot intervention. This efficiency makes it an essential part of an aircraft's self-protection arsenal, working in conjunction with but distinct from radar and infrared systems to enhance survival chances during combat operations.