Examiner:
Yesterday, one of the nation’s leading global security and defense companies, Northrop Grumman, signed a deal with the United States Air Force to provide hardware and support for LAIRCM, their Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure system. The deal was worth $111 million.
The LAIRCM system is critical for U.S. troops overseas. Without giving away proprietary information, the system first determines if there is a threat and then activates a high-intensity, laser-based countermeasure to track and eliminate the threat (missile.)
According to the Northrop Grumman release, the contract insures that they will deliver additional transmitters, missile warning sensors, processors, lasers, control interface units and supporting equipment to the Air Force and various supply customers around the globe through April 2017. In addition to legacy hardware, the delivery will include a modernized control interface unit replacement.
Carl Smith, Vice President of infrared countermeasures for the company’s electronic systems, had this to say:
“Aircraft survivability equipment is an essential element of protecting our aircrews. Because of our approach toward modular open systems architecture, we’re able to help our warfighters stay ahead of emerging threats by continuing to introduce new technologies adding additional system capability while decreasing system cost and increasing reliability.”
Northrop Grumman, best known to civilians as the maker of the B-2 Spirit Strategic bomber, is headquartered in West Falls Church, Virginia.
Even while the Defense Department is making massive cutbacks in the services and compensation to the troops and veterans, contracting with the United States military remains big business. Just this week, the Navy awarded General Dynamics $46 million for upgrades and maintenance on the U.S.S. Montpelier, a Los Angeles class submarine launched in 1991.
