Advanced threat IR countermeasures system defeats live fire missiles.

NASHUA, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 23, 1996--During a series of early September tests at the U.S. Army's White Sands Missile Range, N.M., a laser-based Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures (ATIRCM) system successfully demonstrated its capabilities to track and defeat heat seeking missiles of the latest types currently deployed around the world.

The ATIRCM system, now under development at Sanders, was mounted on a "cable car" at the range to simulate a target aircraft in flight. In each of eight test firings conducted, the ATIRCM detected the missiles with its missile warning system, tracked and then jammed them with its laser, causing them to miss the target.

The ATIRCM system is the infrared jammer portion of a Tri-Service program under which the next generation infrared missile jammer and a Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) are being developed.

"The system has proven during these recent live fire demonstrations that ATIRCM can detect and defeat the latest generation of heat seeking missiles," according to Andy Whitaker, ATIRCM/CMWS program director at Sanders. "Of equal importance, the accuracy and power of its laser-based jammer system will counter all current threats as well as those still on the drawing board."

Sanders, a Lockheed Martin Company, is completing the first year of a four-year Engineering and Manufacturing Development contract leading to production. A successful, three-year Advanced Development effort led by the Nashua, N.H.-based company preceded the current contract.

The Army's Program Manager for Aviation Electronic Combat, located in St. Louis, Mo., is the Tri-Service manager for the program. The contracting authority and technical manager for the program is Night Vision/ Electronic Sensors Division at Ft. Monmouth, N.J.

Sanders, an operating company of the Lockheed Martin Electronics Sector, is engaged in development, manufacture and sale of advanced electronic systems and products in a broad range of defense and commercial electronics markets. The company is a major producer of electronic combat and self protection systems, and is the industry leader in the development of automated mission planning systems. Other major business areas include tactical communications, surveillance and intelligence systems; avionics and space electronics; microwave electronics subsystems; and commercial telecommunications systems.

CONTACT: Sanders

Marv Braman, 603/885-2817

Joe Wagovich, 603/885-2816