What action does a CMDS take when a threat is detected?

A Countermeasures Dispensing System (CMDS) is designed to enhance the survivability of an aircraft when it detects incoming threats, such as missiles. When a threat is detected, the primary response of the CMDS is to dispense flares and/or chaff.

Flares are used to distract heat-seeking missiles by providing a hotter target than the aircraft itself. Chaff consists of small pieces of metallic material which can confuse radar-guided missiles by creating false targets on radar systems. This tactic effectively helps to evade incoming threats by reducing the likelihood of the aircraft being successfully targeted.

While altering the flight path or calling for backup are potential responses to a threat by the crew, they are not direct actions taken by the CMDS itself when a threat is detected. The primary function of the CMDS is to deploy these countermeasures to protect the aircraft and its occupants from immediate dangers posed by hostile engagements. Launching controlled missiles is not a function of a CMDS; instead, it pertains to offensive systems that would engage the threat rather than evade it. Thus, the correct action that the CMDS takes is to dispense flares and/or chaff as a primary defensive measure.