What type of missile threats does the ATIRCM specifically track?

The ATIRCM, or Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures, specifically tracks infrared (IR) missiles. This is primarily due to its role in providing protection to aircraft against threats like man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) and other IR-guided missiles. These systems use infrared homing technology to locate and engage their targets. By focusing on this type of missile threat, ATIRCM is designed to detect, track, and counteract these particular attacks, ensuring the safety and survivability of aircraft in hostile environments.

The distinguishing feature of IR missiles is their reliance on heat signatures to guide them to their targets, which is a specific area of threat addressed by the ATIRCM systems. This capability is essential for modern defense against such guided missile attacks.