Source: DTN News / Northrop Grumman 
Under the terms of the $80 million contract, Northrop Grumman will deliver more than 450 IRMWS and 90 processors to NAVAIR beginning in May 2011 and concluding in the second quarter of 2013. This hardware, in conjunction with Northrop Grumman's Guardian laser transmitter assemblies and control indicator units delivered under the same U.S. Air Force indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract, will complete the initial Department of Navy Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (DoN LAIRCM) installation requirements on 156 aircraft to provide infrared threat protection for U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E, CH-46E and CH-53D platforms.
"Your great team at Northrop Grumman is what gave us the trust and confidence from the very first briefing," said Maj. Gen. (select) Robert Walsh, former Commanding General, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward). "Our Marines in combat are seeing the benefits every day as I saw firsthand. It's a game changer from a commander's perspective."
"DoN LAIRCM is a tremendous example of the Navy's ability to quickly respond to evolving threat conditions in support of deployed forces," said Capt. Paul Overstreet, U.S. Navy DoN LAIRCM program manager.
"Protecting vulnerable, rotor-wing aircraft during this era of irregular warfare is paramount," said Carl Smith, vice president of infrared countermeasures for Northrop Grumman's Land and Self Protection Systems Division. "Our system allows more versatility on the battlefield while helping to protect our men and women in uniform."
The only such laser-based aircraft protection system currently in production, Northrop Grumman's LAIRCM system is now installed or scheduled for installation on over 500 military aircraft including approximately 49 different fixed-wing transports and rotary-wing platforms. The system functions by automatically detecting a missile launch, determining if it is a threat, and activating a high-intensity laser-based countermeasure system to track and defeat the missile.
The Northrop Grumman LAIRCM system also forms the baseline for the company's Common Infrared Countermeasures offering for the upcoming U.S. Army competition to supply the Army with an advanced infrared countermeasures systems.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.Related Headlines
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