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BAE SYSTEMS Completes Hardware delivery For UK Fast Jet DIRCM

19 Jul 2004

BAE Systems recently completed hardware delivery for the United Kingdom Fast Jet Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) Technology Demonstrator Programme (TDP), achieving the key system acceptance milestone for the U.K. Ministry of Defence (MoD).

BAE Systems Information and Electronic Warfare Systems (IEWS) built, integrated and tested the Defensive Avionics Receiver Transmitter (DART ) system that supports the demonstration program. The DART system provides autonomous threat detection and tracking using a simplified two-axis design. Its open-architecture design allows flexibility to incorporate future technology and provides for additional multi-functionality.

“For the first time, a DIRCM system is available to provide fast jets - primarily tactical fighter aircraft - with an advanced countermeasure capability against hostile surface and air-launched infrared missiles. To date, the only response available against IR threats by fast jet crews has been expendable flares, said Bob Delaney, BAE Systems program manager at Pomona, Calif. With its small size, lightweight, and open-architecture, the DART system can be used aboard a wide range of aircraft -- from small helicopters to large multi-engine, fixed-wing aircraft. The combined U.S./U.K. Integrated Product Team views this as a most successful program which has been completed on time, within budget and with all key user-specification requirements having been met.”

The Pomona program development team conducted trade and design studies. Key performance elements measured and demonstrated during the verification testing included slew and settle timelines, static stability, and dynamic pointing stability under various representative platform environments.

As part of a $7 million contract placed with BAE Systems Avionics, Stanmore, U.K., IEWS led an international team of technology leaders comprised of Octec Ltd, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Radstone Ltd, and Aeroflex Corporation, providing MoD with access to state-of-the-art subsystem elements.

According to Professor David Titterton, the U.K. MoD Technical Team Program Lead from the Defence Science & Technology Laboratories, We are convinced that the TDP has contributed important technical advances in the development of laser-based countermeasure technology. The DART system offers the potential for enhanced platform survivability of all classes of aircraft when attacked by current and emerging IR threat weapons.

U.K. Equipment Capability manager, Royal Air Force Squadron Leader Richard Deacon, said, The site at Pomona has shown to be ideal for this program and the project is being superbly managed. We are really pleased with their work and professionalism shown towards the program.

The DART System is scheduled to begin U.S./U.K. range and flight demonstrations in early 2005 as the final phase of the TDP.

About BAE SYSTEMS

BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defense and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea, and in space. The company designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defense systems.

BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company employs more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of more than $20 billion through its wholly owned and joint-venture operations.

BAE Systems North America is a high-technology U.S. company employing more than 25,000 people who live and work in some 30 states, the District of Columbia, and the United Kingdom. The company is dedicated to solving its customers needs with highly innovative and leading edge solutions across the defense electronics, systems, information technology, and services arenas.

BAE Systems Information and Electronic Warfare Systems employs 6,900 people at 13 major facilities in eight states. The business unit is a major producer of aircraft self-protection systems and tactical surveillance and intelligence systems for all branches of the armed forces. IEWS provides products and services in four major lines of business: Electronic Warfare/Electronic Protection, Electronic Warfare/Information Warfare, Integrated Defense Solutions, and Mission Electronics.