BAE Systems to Demo IR Countermeasures Technology

NASHUA, N.H., Dec. 17 -- BAE Systems has been selected by the UK's Ministry of Defence to conduct a technology demonstration program for its fast jet directed infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) laser system. Under a two-year, $5.6 million contract, BAE's Information & Electronic Warfare Systems will develop a robust, miniaturized, laser-capable acquisition, pointing and tracking system.

BAE SYSTEMS new defensive avionics receiver transmitter (DART) system will show its ability to provide "stabilized and precise threat tracking, as well as a high-power laser jamming capability" to defeat advanced infrared missile threats, according to Robert Delaney, DART system program manager.

BAE will lead an international team to integrate and transition the DART system's enabling technologies to a fully development-ready status, including a demonstration of compatibility with multiple laser subsystems. Laboratory and field trials over the next two years may lead to later flight trials.