New Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity Contract to Equip USAF Aircraft with IR Defenses

Northrop Grumman Corporation has continued its work for the US Air Force providing its Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) systems.

The systems are an essential system to defeat incoming infrared-tracking missiles. The LAIRCM system allows the aircraft to detect, track, and jam incoming infrared missile threats, hopefully saving the plane and all those aboard. The equipped, high-power laser targets a closing missile and tags its sensitive IR seeker in the hopes of blinding it and preventing an impact or ignition. 

The most recent batch was delivered under an existing indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract, where Northrop os providing LAIRCM upgrades, modifications, and initial installations across a bevy of USAF fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. The contracts may cover other customers as well, though details as to which partners are availing themselves of the LAIRCM product are unknown.

“With its modular, scalable architecture, LAIRCM can adapt to numerous airframes and add technologies that enhance protection capabilities,” said Bob Gough, vice president, navigation, targeting and survivability, Northrop Grumman. “This proven approach has enabled us to provide the U.S. Air Force and thousands of aircrews with unmatched protection and aircraft survivability equipment that helps them stay safe against emerging threats.”

FMI: www.northropgrumman.com