Manufacturers working on the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) programme to develop aircraft-mounted laser systems to protect airliners against missile attack query the practicality of ground-based defence systems.
Onboard directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) systems are the only practical way of protecting aircraft within the huge volume of potentially vulnerable airspace around an airport, says BAE Systems, one of two companies working on the DHS Counter-Manpads programme.
The potential disadvantage of onboard laser jammers is cost, and the DHS is seeking fiscal year 2006 funding for a year-long operational evaluation of a dozen DIRCM-equipped cargo aircraft in revenue service to pin down the installation and operating costs.
Northrop Grumman has begun installation of its prototype commercial DIRCM on a FedEx Express Boeing MD-11 for flight testing in August, says Jack Pledger, director, infrared countermeasures business development. A Northwest Airlines Boeing 747 will also be equipped, with supplemental type certification planned by year-end, he says.
BAE’s prototype DIRCM is also to fly in August, on an American Airlines Boeing 767-200, and be certificated by December. Mark Thum, vice-president, international business development, says BAE is looking at alternative packaging to reduce weight and drag –“the major cost driver in commercial operation”.
Northrop has packaged its DIRCM in a 2.1m (7ft)-long, 230kg (500lb) canoe pod mounted under the year fuselage. BAE will install some electronics in the aircraft, and would like to get all but the laser jam head inside to eliminate drag. System cost will be “well below $1 million”, says Thum. Operating cost is estimated at “one tenth of a cent per seat mile, or $3 per passenger for a 767 flying coast to coast”, says Pledger.
US Congress looks likely to approve the $110 million sought by the DHS for the operational evaluation, which will also include live-fire testing. BAE and Northrop expect both systems to be carried through to this third phase of the Counter-Manpads programme, which is likely to determine whether the US government mandates the installation of DIRCMs.
Meanwhile, Thum says, two governments are moving ahead on airline missile defence “on a shorter timeline” than the USA.
Source: Flight International
