HSD's Hutchison Visits BAE Systems

Asa Hutchinson, Undersecretary for Border and Transportation Security at the Department of Homeland Security, and Rep. Charlie Bass (R-NH)  (pictured right) Monday toured BAE Systems' Nashua (NH) facility. There, they received briefings on infrared missiles and the effective systems that BAE Systems has developed to counter the small man-portable surface-to-air missiles. That's the kind of SAM that has not only proliferated on battlefields, but in the hands of terrorists as well (ANN: "Missile Fired At Israeli Charter" -- Nov. 28, 2002)

Hutchinson viewed engineering models and simulations -- including a simulation of a BAE Systems laser-based jammer countering a missile threat against a commercial aircraft.

"We're looking to private industry to provide solutions, whether on our borders or against missiles," said Hutchinson. "I'm delighted that BAE Systems is focusing on these threats."

Hutchinson added, "We have to make sure we leave no stone unturned when it comes to policy and technology, and we look forward to a partnership with industry to solve these problems."

The Nashua-based Information and Electronic Warfare Systems unit of BAE Systems pioneered the use of advanced countermeasures against heat-seeking missiles more than three decades ago; its systems are widely deployed within the US and allied militaries. Additionally, BAE Systems is the only manufacturer of a FAA-certified countermeasure for large and corporate aircraft.

"By combining our proven military electronic protection technology with our expertise in commercial aviation equipment, we are in a position to effectively address these threats," said Don Donovan, vice president and general manager of IEWS' Electronic Warfare/Electronic Protection line of business.

"These systems represent the type of technology that we can offer as a global company to support the growing requirements for homeland security," said Paul Clark, newly-appointed corporate vice president, Homeland Security for BAE Systems North America, Washington (DC).

IEWS has delivered more than 14,000 countermeasures systems for US and foreign military aircraft for more than 50 years.

FMI: www.na.baesystems.com