BAE SYSTEMS Completes Hardware Delivery for UK Fast Jet DIRCM.FARNBOROUGH, U.K. -- 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. recently completed hardware delivery for the United Kingdom Fast Jet Directional Infrared Countermeasures This article is about missile counter measures. For IRCMonitor, see Wikipedia:IRCMonitor. Infrared countermeasures (IRCM) are devices designed to protect aircraft from infrared homing ("heat seeking") missiles by confusing the missiles' infrared (DIRCM DIRCM Directed Infrared Countermeasures DIRCM Directional Infrared Countermeasure ) Technology Demonstrator Programme (TDP TDP (thymidine diphosphate): see thymine. ), achieving the key system acceptance milestone for the U.K. Ministry of Defence (MoD). BAE Systems Information and Electronic Warfare Noun 1. electronic warfare - military action involving the use of electromagnetic energy to determine or exploit or reduce or prevent hostile use of the electromagnetic spectrum EW military action, action - a military engagement; "he saw action in Korea" Systems (IEWS IEWS Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and Sensors IEWS Integrated Electronic Warfare System IEWS Integrated Electronic Warfare Suite IEWS Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Surveillance IEWS Intelligence & Electronic Warfare System ) built, integrated and tested the Defensive Avionics Receiver Transmitter (DART (TM)) system that supports the demonstration program. The DART (TM) system provides autonomous threat detection and tracking using a simplified two-axis design. Its open-architecture design allows flexibility to incorporate future technology and provides for additional multi-functionality. "For the first time, a DIRCM system is available to provide fast jets -- primarily tactical fighter aircraft fighter aircraft Aircraft designed primarily to secure control of essential airspace by destroying enemy aircraft in combat. Designed for high speed and maneuverability, they are armed with weapons capable of striking other aircraft in flight. -- with an advanced countermeasure capability against hostile surface and air-launched infrared missiles. To date, the only response available against IR threats by fast jet crews has been expendable flares," said Bob Delaney, BAE Systems program manager at Pomona, Calif. "With its small size, lightweight, and open-architecture, the DART (TM) system can be used aboard a wide range of aircraft -- from small helicopters to large multi-engine, fixed-wing aircraft. The combined U.S./U.K. Integrated Product Team views this as a most successful program which has been completed on time, within budget and with all key user-specification requirements having been met." The Pomona program development team conducted trade and design studies. Key performance elements measured and demonstrated during the verification testing included slew and settle timelines, static stability, and dynamic pointing stability under various representative platform environments. As part of a $7 million contract placed with BAE Systems Avionics BAE Systems Avionics was the avionics unit of BAE Systems until 2005, at which time it was transferred to SELEX Sensors and Airborne Systems S.p.A (initially 75% Finmeccanica and 25% BAE Systems, but since March 2007 fully owned by Finmeccanica) and was renamed , Stanmore, U.K., IEWS led an international team of technology leaders comprised of Octec Ltd, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Radstone Ltd, and Aeroflex Corporation, providing MoD with access to state-of-the-art subsystem elements. According to Professor David Titterton, the U.K. MoD Technical Team Program Lead from the Defence Science & Technology Laboratories, "We are convinced that the TDP has contributed important technical advances in the development of laser-based countermeasure technology. The DART (TM) system offers the potential for enhanced platform survivability sur·viv·a·ble adj. 1. Capable of surviving: survivable organisms in a hostile environment. 2. That can be survived: a survivable, but very serious, illness. of all classes of aircraft when attacked by current and emerging IR threat weapons." U.K. Equipment Capability manager, Royal Air Force Squadron Leader Richard Deacon, said, "The site at Pomona has shown to be ideal for this program and the project is being superbly managed. We are really pleased with their work and professionalism shown towards the program." The DART (TM) System is scheduled to begin U.S./U.K. range and flight demonstrations in early 2005 as the final phase of the TDP. BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defense and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea, and in space. BAE Systems is a major producer of aircraft self-protection systems and tactical surveillance and intelligence systems for all branches of the armed forces. To obtain additional information about us, visit "What's News" at: www.iews.na.baesystems.com |
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