Northrop Grumman says its AAQ-24(V) Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) system successfully defeated a variety of ground-to-air missiles during its first live-fire test.
The US defence contractor, GEC-Marconi and British Aerospace Systems Equipment are developing the DIRCM for the UK Ministry of Defence and the US Special Operations Command to defend rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft from attack by infrared-guided air defence missiles.
The initial firing, at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, marked the beginning of a series of live-fire tests.
The DIRCM is approaching production deliveries. Northrop Grumman is concluding airborne testing in the UK on a Westland Sea King helicopter.
Source: Flight International
