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BAE SYSTEMS Delivers First Production Anti Missile Protection System

05 Feb 2001

Ref: 014/2001

BAE Systems has delivered the first production Directional Infra Red Countermeasures (DIRCM) anti-missile protection turret.

The system is being fitted to transport aircraft and helicopters in service with American and British armed forces and will protect the aircraft from infra red heat-seeking missiles by jamming the seeker.

DIRCM is a collaborative transatlantic programme involving BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman. The DIRCM turret is the active missile jamming element of the AAQ 24 (V) DIRCM Self Protection Suite.

DIRCM is a revolutionary protection system, which is designed to detect the launch of a heat-seeking missile, determine if it is a threat and track its flight, before defeating its seeker head with an emission of infra red energy. The missile loses its lock on the target and very quickly veers off its course and is destroyed.

Initial concept studies began in the late 1980s with full development and production contracts placed in 1995. This work has produced a range of turrets for operational fixed and rotary wing platforms. DIRCM system is significantly ahead of the competition and is designed to protect aircraft from all aspect attack capability heat seeking missiles.

The world market for DIRCM-type systems is estimated to exceed 1 billion. DIRCM currently has orders for several hundred systems and the projected lifespan of the programme is in excess of 20 years.

Arnie Welch, Northrop Grumman’s IRCM Vice President formally accepted the first of the revolutionary new system at BAE Systems' Edinburgh plant. He said: "This is a technologically advanced and capable product and its entry into operational service in the UK and US represents a major milestone and global lead for the Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems team."

BAE Systems project director Jim Trysburg said: "Nearly every aircraft shot down in the last 15 years has been the result of attack by a heat-seeking missile. The DIRCM system is a world leader and will help protect operational aircraft wherever there is a threat from these missiles. BAE Systems’ expertise in optical tracking and pointing systems has resulted in the design of a life-saving product."