US DoD approves ATIRCM for export
The US Department of Defense (DoD) has approved BAE Systems' Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures (ATIRCM) system for export, as announced on 2 March.
With this approval, BAE can export the ATIRCM to allied nations across the world.
ATIRCM uses the company's Common Missile Warning System to detect incoming missiles and communicate their position with respect to the aircraft. It then locates and tracks the incoming threats and emits a high-energy laser to defeat the infrared seeker of the missiles. The guidance system of the missile is effectively blinded and it is prevented from homing in on the aircraft.
Bill Staib, director of threat management solutions, BAE Systems, said that an aircraft survivability system that counters advanced threats is of immediate need in the current environment.
He said: 'We are seeing tremendous international interest for this system, which has proven to be both highly effective and reliable since its fielding in 2009.'
The system was developed together with the US Army and has been used on military helicopters deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.
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