GRAHAM WARWICK / WASHINGTON DC
Four bidders to make final presentations next month
Proposals have been submitted for the US Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) programme to develop systems to counter the threat to airliners from shoulder-launched missiles.
BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and Alliant TechSystems have been shortlisted for Phase 1 of the DHS's counter-man-portable air defence system (MANPADS) development and demonstration programme.
The DHS has invited the shortlisted bidders to make oral presentations in the week beginning 8 December, after evaluating 24 proposed concepts.
Award of two or three contracts for the six-month preliminary design phase is due in late December, with a decision on prototype development and demonstration to be based on the results of Phase 1, which will address integration, certification, operation and support issues.
One or two contractors will be selected for the 18-month second phase, which will culminate in the flight test of two prototype systems on a single widebody aircraft type. Phase 2 will cover operational testing, possibly including live-fire tests; US Federal Aviation Administration certification; assessments of reliability, failure rates and supportability; and development of the maintenance approach and training materials. Phase 2 results will support a production decision in December 2005, says the DHS.
Emphasis has been placed on minimising operating costs while protecting commercial aircraft against first- to third-generation infrared-guided MANPADS.
DHS requirements include a reliability of over 3,000h mean time between failures; no take-off or landing delays because of system availability; no special test equipment; no interference with surrounding flight operations; and no safety or environmental hazards.
The DHS is aiming for an acquisition cost no greater than $1 million for the 1,000th unit, an operational cost of less than $500 per take-off and landing cycle, and an installation time of four days or less.
Counter-MANPADS will migrate mature military technology into commercial aircraft, although the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy sees directed infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) as the most promising solution. "The DHS is neutral and will not advocate any particular solution until [it is] proven operationally and cost-effectively viable," programme manager Jim Tuttle told those attending the MANPADS industry day on 15 October.
Source: Flight International
