Marines order infrared warning systems for choppers

Northrop Grumman Corp. will provide infrared missile warning systems to the Navy under an $80 million contract.

Under the terms of the award, the giant defense contractor will deliver more than 450 infrared missile warning systems and 90 processors to the Naval Air Systems Command beginning May 2011 and concluding in the second quarter of 2013.

This equipment, which supports medium- and heavy-lift helicopter fleets, enables theater operations in previously denied areas due to threat conditions, according to a Northrop announcement dated July 8.

The system automatically detects a missile launch, determines whether it is a threat, and then activates a high-intensity laser-based countermeasure system to track and defeat the missile.

The system, in conjunction with Northrop’s Guardian laser transmitter assemblies and control indicator units delivered under the same Air Force indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract, will complete the Navy’s initial Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures installation requirements on 156 Marine Corps aircraft, the announcement stated.

Northrop Grumman’s LAIRCM system is now installed or scheduled for installation on more than 500 military aircraft, including approximately 49 different fixed-wing transports and rotary-wing platforms.

The system also forms the baseline for the company’s Common Infrared Countermeasures offering for the upcoming Army competition to supply the service with an advanced infrared countermeasures system, the announcement stated.