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NSWC Crane Recommended for Lead for Infrared Countermeasures Qual

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS031209-04

Release Date: 12/9/2003 11:12:00 AM

By Sue Webster, Naval Surface Warfare Center Public Affairs

CRANE, Ind. (NNS) -- Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane was recommended in November to be the lead test agency for the qualification of Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Infrared Countermeasures.

The Joint Program Office's (JPO) recommendation is based on Crane's years of experience in development and qualification of infrared countermeasures, and for its unique facilities and capabilities in qualification testing.

"NSWC Crane has been involved with the development of decoy flares since the 1950s," stated Capt. Dan Wise, commanding officer, Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center. "Moreover, Crane's stewardship role within the infrared industry has not only allowed us to ensure an adequate supply of decoy flares is available to the warfighter, but also to develop new processes for protecting ordnance workers," he said.

"Crane is proud to be recognized for its hard work and dedication in the field of pyrotechnics, and this recommendation is a direct result of our expertise in this area," said Wise.

Airborne expendable devices (i.e., decoy flares) are subjected to a severe operational environment, and an extensive verification process is required to certify the items as safe for flight operations. Qualification of JSF Infrared Countermeasures will include both safety and durability testing with release approval from the Navy Weapon Systems Explosive Safety Review Board and the Air Force Non-Nuclear Munitions Safety Board.

Lockheed-Martin Aerospace is responsible for the JSF development effort, while BAE Systems is responsible for the Electronic Warfare (EW) system integration. Qualification of the countermeasures will involve collaboration between the contractors, the JPO, Naval Air Systems Command PMA-272 (Navy Program Office for EW Countermeasures) and the Air Force EW offices.

While contractors are not bound by the JPO recommendation, the technical community recognizes the expertise available at NSWC Crane. Crane's capability assures state-of-the-art confirmation of performance and durability requirements of these countermeasures developed for the warfighter.

Collaboration of test requirements has started with anticipation that contractors will endorse the recommendation to utilize expertise and facilities available at NSWC Crane.

"The partnership between these entities is a merger between the best developer of infrared countermeasures and the most advanced aircraft platform harnessing the power of technology for the warfighter," Wise concluded.