PATUXENT RIVER NAS, Md. - U.S. Navy aviation officials are expanding aircraft survivability against infrared-guided missile threats with a $96.1 million contract modification to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. in Rolling Meadows, Ill.
Officials of the Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., announced the award for hardware, systems engineering, technical support, analysis, and studies to support installation of the Department of the Navy Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) system on Navy and other U.S. military aircraft.
Related: Navy asks Northrop Grumman to provide LAIRCM laser missile defense for U.S. military large aircraft
LAIRCM is designed to protect large aircraft from man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), including shoulder-fired and vehicle-launched infrared-guided surface-to-air missiles. The system autonomously detects, identifies, tracks, and counters incoming infrared threats to defeat missile engagements and protect aircraft and aircrews with minimal operator intervention.
System and subsystems
The LAIRCM architecture consists of several core subsystems, including a system processor, control indicator unit, AAR-54 missile warning system, and laser transmitter assembly. Together, these elements provide real-time threat detection, signal processing, and directed infrared countermeasures to disrupt missile guidance.
The AAR-54 missile warning system uses passive infrared sensors to detect the plume signatures of incoming missiles and cue the countermeasure response. Once a threat is confirmed, the system processor initiates tracking and directs the laser transmitter to disrupt and confuse the missile’s infrared seeker using modulated laser energy. The system uses closed-loop tracking to maintain precise aim on the incoming threat during jamming.
The current procurement includes a range of weapon-replaceable assemblies and subsystem components for Navy and Air Force aircraft. These include advanced threat warning sensors, control indicator units, LAIRCM processor units, Guardian laser transmitter assemblies, high-capacity cards, smart connector assemblies, and battery kits.
Related: Navy asks Northrop Grumman to provide Laser, microwave, and other directed-energy weapons ready for the battlefield
The Guardian Laser Transmitter Assembly is an upgraded subsystem compared to earlier small laser transmitter assemblies. It offers improved reliability, increased energy on target for more effective countermeasures, reduced turret procurement cost, and lower weight and aerodynamic drag, which are important for aircraft integration and performance.
Directed energy
LAIRCM is part of a broader class of directed infrared countermeasure (DIRCM) systems, which use laser-based techniques rather than expendable flares. Compared to traditional countermeasures, DIRCM systems can provide continuous protection against multiple engagements without depleting onboard countermeasure stores and are well-suited for large transport, tanker, and special mission aircraft.
Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Ill.; Goleta, Calif.; Longmont, Colo.; Apopka, Fla.; Blacksburg, Va.; Westminster, Colo.; Verona, Wis.; Ashburn, Va.; Carlsbad, Calif.; Lewisburg, Tenn.; Salt Lake City, Utah; Tipp City, Ohio; and Amherst, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by July 2028.
For more information, please contact Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. online at https://www.northropgrumman.com/ or Naval Air Systems Command at https://www.navair.navy.mil/.
