BAE Systems' US arm has been selected to conduct the UK's Fast Jet Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) technology demonstration. Under a two-year, £3.9 million ($5.6 million) UK Ministry of Defence contract, BAE will develop a system capable of acquiring and tracking infrared-guided missile threats and pointing a high-power laser jammer.
The Nashua, New Hampshire-based Information & Electronic Warfare Systems division of BAE is developing a similar system under the US Navy's Tactical Aircraft Directed Infrared Countermeasures (TADIRCM) technology demonstration. This culminated in a live-fire test in November in which a USNavy QF-4 drone equipped with the company's Agile Eye laser jamming head defeated a shoulder-launched surface-to-air missile.
Under the UK's Fast Jet DIRCM programme, BAE's Defensive Avionics Receiver Transmitter (DART) system will be moved on to development-ready status. The DART is a miniaturised laser-capable acquisition, pointing and tracking system that can be integrated with laser and missile warning systems.
The technology demonstration is intended to pave the way for procurement of a DIRCM for Royal Air Force fast jets. Laboratory and field trials over the next two years will include a demonstration of the system's compatibility with multiple laser systems and could lead to flight trials, BAE says.
The US Navy, meanwhile, plans to begin a TADIRCM procurement programme this year.
The November live-fire test involved a QF-4 equipped with a two-colour missile warning system and Agile Eye laser jam head. The aircraft was flying at Mach 0.55 and low altitude when the man-portable missile was fired. The system acquired and jammed the missile "quickly and accurately...causing a very large miss distance", says the company.
Source: Flight International