ITT and Raytheon are each making progress developing competing products for an emerging market for lower-cost, lightweight infrared countermeasure (IRCM) systems.
Both companies are attempting to challenge the dominance of BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman in the IRCM market as the US Navy seeks to install self-protection systems on hundreds of helicopters and strike fighters.
ITT appears to be several months ahead of the competition, having announced conducting airborne testing of its IRCM system on a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk.
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The flight tests, conducted at the Naval Air Engineering Station in Lakehurst, New Jersey, demonstrated IT's system at ranges from 700- 4,000m (230-13,100ft) and in banking manoeuvres up to 60° roll.
"This system will offer a low-cost, lightweight, high-reliability alternative to protect our armed forces in hazardous areas," says Chris Bernhardt, ITT Electronic Systems president.
Meanwhile, Raytheon plans to start conducting in-flight tests of its Quiet Eyes IRCM system in early 2009, says Mark Noyes, senior manager for business development. In April, the Quiet Eyes system, which employs a seeker derived from the AIM-9X Sidewinder, defeated "multiple" IR-guided missiles in a static test.
Both products are aimed at the US Navy's assault DIRCM programme, which is expected to open the door for follow-on orders for high-value unmanned air systems, such as the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper.
However, the current status of the assault DIRCM contract is unclear. Naval Air Systems command had been scheduled to issue a request for proposals in the third quarter of fiscal year 2008, or no later than June 30. Industry sources confirm this has not been released, implying a significant delay for launching the programme.
The USN also expects to leverage the same or similar technology for its fighter force with a follow-on contract called strike DIRCM.
The combined assault and strike DIRCM contracts for the USN have been valued at $2.2 billion.
Source: Flight International
