AN/SLQ-49 Chaff Buoy Decoy System

Decoys on USS Moosbrugger (DD-980).

The AN/SLQ-49 Chaff Buoy Decoy System, commonly referred to as "Rubber Duck", consists of inflatable radar-reflecting decoy buoys. Used by the U.S. Navy, Royal Navy, and other NATO countries, the decoy is designed to seduce radar-guided anti-ship missiles by simulating the radar cross section of a ship. When deployed, the system launches into the water two octahedron-shaped inflatable decoy floats, connected by a 5-metre (16 ft) cable.

The AN/SLQ-49 has been in operation since 1985. Originally designed to confuse or distract enemy radar operators, it has demonstrated effective missile seduction capabilities.

See also

• Electronic warfare
• Electronic countermeasures

External links

• AN/SLQ-49 Chaff Buoy Decoy System at fas.org
• AN/SLQ-49 Chaff Buoy Decoy System at globalsecurity.org
• Fathom Jan-Mar 2000 article on accidental firings of SLQ-49's