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The prime’s infrared protection system has been greenlighted by the US Army for full-rate production.
The US Army has declared Northrop Grumman’s Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM) system “operationally suitable” and ready for full-rate production following a six-month initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) program.
CIRCM’s dual-jammer configuration is designed to protect helicopter and light-winged aircraft crew against a range of infrared-guided anti-aircraft missile threats, including shoulder-fired and vehicle-launched.
As part of the IOT&E activity, the system was flown through a multitude of scenarios and environments to assess CIRCM’s ability to detect, engage and defeat threats, with the system reportedly overcoming all threats.
The CIRCM system’s open architecture design is also expected to enable rapid and timely capability enhancements, adjusting to mission requirements.
“Through our partnership with the US Army and our suppliers, we have already delivered over 100 production systems,” Bob Gough, vice president, navigation, targeting and survivability at Northrop Grumman, said.
“The successful completion of IOT&E confirms CIRCM’s readiness for full-rate production.”
[Related: Northrop Grumman awarded major NASA contract]
