BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman have begun work under the third phase of the US Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) counter-man-portable air defence system (Manpads) programme, although the government remains to be convinced that directed infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) systems are suitable for commercial airline use.
Under the 18-month Phase 3, laser-based DIRCM jammers will be flown on cargo aircraft in regular revenue service, to assess the impact of the systems on commercial operations. BAE's JetEye system will be flown on Boeing 767s operated by DHL carrier ABX Air, while Northrop's Guardian system will be flown on Boeing MD-10 freighters operated by FedEx Express.
Northrop's Phase 3 contract is worth $55.4 million and includes production of 12 DIRCM systems, modification of 11 MD-10s and installation of the DIRCM canoe pods on nine of the aircraft. During Phase 2, Northrop tested the Guardian on a Boeing 747 and MD-11. BAE partnered American Airlines to modify and test a 767-200 against simulated missile threats in the second phase, and they will equip ABX Air 767 freighters for the commercial suitability trial under a Phase 3 contract worth more than $50 million.
In its recent report to US Congress on the findings of the initial two phases of the Counter-Manpads programme, the DHS confirmed that laser-based DIRCMs can protect airliners from missile attacks, but also concluded that the prototype systems have so far only partially met performance requirements and show some limitations to being adapted to the commercial aviation environment.
Additional reporting by Mary Kirby
Source: Flight International
