Prior to towing ________ equipped aircraft into a hanger, the IRCM system shall be safed.

• A. Infrared countermeasures (IRCM)
• B. Radar countermeasures
• C. Chaff dispenser
• D. Flares

Answer: (A)

Safing the infrared countermeasures system before moving the aircraft into a hangar is all about preventing any accidental deployment of IR decoys during ground handling. In a confined hangar, a flare or other IR countermeasure firing unexpectedly could start a fire, damage nearby aircraft or equipment, or injure personnel. Putting the IRCM in a safe state ensures it cannot arm or discharge while the aircraft is being towed, eliminating that risk.

Radar countermeasures and chaff dispensers operate in different parts of the EW suite and are not the immediate safety concern when the aircraft is being moved into a hangar. Flares are part of the IRCM set, but safing the IRCM disables their deployment as part of the overall system safety during towing.