BAE Systems wins contract to upgrade laser for U.S. Army helicopters

NASHUA, N.H., 18 June 2007. BAE Systems has won two U.S. Army contracts totaling $54 million to provide a multiband laser technology upgrade for the Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures/Common Missile Warning System (ATIRCM/CMWS) program.

The multiband laser (MBL) replaces an existing infrared jam laser and flash lamp subsystem to protect helicopters by defeating infrared-seeking missiles.

BAE Systems will deliver four flight-worthy multi-band lasers to support ATIRCM operational test and evaluation. Concurrently, the company will deliver 12 laser units to support Army testing and initial fielding of ATIRCM/CMWS.

ATIRCM/CMWS is a multiband, laser-based countermeasures system that protects aircraft against deployed heat-seeking missiles. The combined ATIRCM/CMWS suite evaluates the threat environment and selects the appropriate response to counter specific missile threats using an array of countermeasures.