Photo Release -- Northrop Grumman Commemorates 20 Year UK Partnership in Delivering Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM)
(Thomson Reuters ONE) -
LONDON, Sept. 15, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation
(NYSE:NOC) is commemorating the 20th anniversary of the initial contract awarded
by the U.K. Ministry of Defence (MOD) for the development of directional
infrared countermeasures (DIRCM).
A photo accompanying this release is available at:
http://media.globenewswire.com/noc/mediagallery.html?pkgid=36045
The system developed by Northrop Grumman jointly with Selex ES has provided
protection against sophisticated infrared guided missile threats for more than
1,200 U.S. and allied aircraft and amassed more than 1 million combat hours
without allowing a single strike to a protected aircraft.
Critical to the safety of aircrews, DIRCM automatically detects a missile
launch, determines if it is a threat and activates a high-intensity laser-based
countermeasure system to track and defeat the missile.
"The aspect of this programme that we are most proud of is that no protected
aircraft has ever been lost or hit by a heat seeking missile," said Carl Smith,
vice president, infrared countermeasures, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems.
"We are honoured to have been entrusted by the MoD for two decades to provide
this lifesaving technology. We look forward to continuing to work together to
enhance the system so we can be sure that no lives will ever be lost with this
capability onboard."
"This collaboration has been vital for the defence industry," said Andrew Tyler,
chief executive, U.K. & Europe, Northrop Grumman. "DIRCM is a strategically
important, lifesaving technology and has been hugely successful in delivering a
mission-critical capability for protecting the U.K.'s front line and other
aircraft."
The U.K. established the first DIRCM programme in 1989 following threats from
terrorist groups to attack aircraft using man-portable air-defence systems
(MANPADs). The U.S. joined the program after an AC-130H gunship was shot down
outside of Kuwait City during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Fourteen crew
members aboard the aircraft were lost, making it the largest single loss of life
by the U.S. Air Force during the war. A contract was subsequently awarded to
Northrop Grumman in 1995 to install DIRCM on several platforms, including small
helicopters and large fixed-wing aircraft.
More than 1,200 aircraft in 55 variations have now been fitted with Northrop
Grumman's laser-based DIRCM technology. The company's system approach supports
forward and backward compatibility of spiral upgrades for missile-warners and
lasers. The system's processors also interface with other subsystems, such as
radar warning receivers, radio frequency countermeasures and flares, to provide
multispectral situational awareness and self-protection.
A team led by Northrop Grumman was recently awarded a contract to provide Common
Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM), the newest generation of laser DIRCM
technology, to the U.S. Army for use on small and medium rotary wing aircraft.
Selex ES is a core member of that team.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative
systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics
and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit
www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
CONTACT: Ellen Hamilton
224-625-4693 (office)
847-815-0753 (mobile)
ellen.hamilton(at)ngc.com
Ken Beedle (International)
+44 207 747 1910
+44 7787 174092
ken.beedle(at)euro.ngc.com
This announcement is distributed by GlobeNewswire on behalf of
GlobeNewswire clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that:
(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and
other applicable laws; and
(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and
originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Northrop Grumman Corp. via GlobeNewswire
[HUG#1952044]
Datum: 15.09.2015 - 10:00 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 420005
Anzahl Zeichen: 4490
contact information:
Kategorie:
Business News
Diese Pressemitteilung wurde bisher 131 mal aufgerufen.
Die Pressemitteilung mit dem Titel:
"Photo Release -- Northrop Grumman Commemorates 20 Year UK Partnership in Delivering Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM)"
steht unter der journalistisch-redaktionellen Verantwortung von
Northrop Grumman Corp. (Nachricht senden)
Beachten Sie bitte die weiteren Informationen zum Haftungsauschluß (gemäß TMG - TeleMedianGesetz) und dem Datenschutz (gemäß der DSGVO).
