BAE SYSTEMS' ATIRCM/CMWS Successfully Completes Army Live-Fire Tests; Key Testing Milestone Accomplished.Business Editors/Hi-Tech WritersNASHUA, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 14, 2001 BAE SYSTEMS BAE Systems British manufacturer of aircraft, missiles, avionics, naval vessels, and other aerospace and defense products. BAE Systems was formed (1999) from the merger of British Aerospace (BAe) with Marconi Electronic Systems. in support of the Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures/Common Missile Warning System (ATIRCM/CMWS ATIRCM/CMWS Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasure/Common Missile Warning System ), has completed a rigorous series of live fire tests. The tests, conducted by the U.S. Army at White Sands Missile Range White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), formerly known as the White Sands Proving Grounds, is a rocket range in New Mexico operated by the United States Army. The range covers an area of almost 3,200 mi² (8 287 km²), approximately three times the size of Rhode Island, making it , New Mexico New Mexico, state in the SW United States. At its northwestern corner are the so-called Four Corners, where Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah meet at right angles; New Mexico is also bordered by Oklahoma (NE), Texas (E, S), and Mexico (S). , April 4-24, 2000, complete another major phase of the U.S. Government Development Test/Operational Test (DT/OT DT/OT Development Test/Operational Test ) program -- a critical requirement for the Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP LRIP Low Rate Initial Production LRIP Limited Rate Initial Production LRIP Logistics Readiness Improvement Program ) decision early next year. ATIRCM/CMWS is the next-generation countermeasure to protect aircraft from infrared-guided missiles. During the tests, live missiles were fired at an infrared source located near the ATIRCM ATIRCM Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures ATIRCM Advanced Tactical Infrared Countermeasures jammer and CMWS CMWS Common Missile Warning System sensors -- both of which were mounted on a cable car simulating an airborne vehicle such as a helicopter. Ten test flights were successfully completed, with missiles launched from different angles and ranges. Scenarios involved both single missiles and multiple missiles launched simultaneously, and at various distances. The full ATIRCM/CMWS system, being developed at BAE SYSTEMS under an engineering and manufacturing development contract, consists of passive missile warning, active infrared jamming and improved countermeasure dispensers. The system is currently designated for installation on the U.S. Army AH-64, UH-60, CH-47, EH-60, and various other aircraft. Information & Electronic Warfare Systems, part of BAE SYSTEMS North America, employs 4,400 people at eight major facilities in five states. The business unit is a major producer of aircraft self-protection systems and tactical surveillance and intelligence systems for all branches of the armed forces. Other major business areas include microwave, mission and space electronics; infrared imaging; and automated mission planning systems. BAE SYSTEMS North America employs 22,000 people in the design, development, integration, manufacture and support of a wide range of advanced aerospace products and intelligent electronic systems for government and commercial customers. Note to editors BAE SYSTEMS is the truly global systems, defense and aerospace company. BAE SYSTEMS employs more than 120,000 people, in eight home markets around the world and has annual sales of some $18 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills. BAE SYSTEMS designs and manufactures civil and military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defense products. To obtain additional information about us, visit "What's News" at http://www.baesystems-iews.com www.baesystems.com |
|
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion