BAE Equips US Army Helicopters With Infrared Countermeasures

• The ATIRCM system is a laser-based, directable countermeasures system that protects helicopters against attack by missiles

(Nashua, New Hampshire, December 22, 2009) -- BAE Systems has successfully installed the Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures (ATIRCM) system on U.S. Army CH-47D Chinook aircraft. The ATIRCM system is a laser-based, directable countermeasures system that protects helicopters against attack by missiles.

The ATIRCM system and AAR-57 Common Missile Warning System greatly enhances overall aircraft survivability against current and evolving threats. Its installation follows a series of rigorous qualification, field, and flight tests. The first systems were installed ahead of the Dec. 15 deadline for the Army's ATIRCM quick-reaction capability program.


"Our team delivered on its promises," said Jim Crouch, vice president and general manager of Survivability and Protection Solutions for BAE Systems. "This system will sense, process, and respond to the threats these crews face every day, and it will save lives."

Source : BAE Systems PLC (LSE: BAES.L)