The U.S. Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman with a $3.6 billion indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract for Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) systems and support. Under the contract, the Air Force may issue task or delivery order awards up to the ceiling amount specified in the contract. Work under the contract is set to conclude in 2025. The initial task order is $2.4 million for logistics support services.
Northrop Grumman’s LAIRCM, a Directional Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) system, is an infrared countermeasure that protects aircrews by detecting, tracking and jamming incoming infrared threats without the need for user intervention. Northrop’s Directional Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) system (AN/AAQ-24(V)) is the only DIRCM system in production today that protects aircraft from infrared guided missiles.
Traditional IR countermeasures are not effective against the modern IR missiles that are growing in popularity. A Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) system is required to defeat the latest and future advanced IR threats, and has a lower life cycle cost compared to other IR countermeasure approaches. The AAQ-24(V) is available in a laser-based configuration. Northrop then selects from a modular family of transmitters, jammers and missile warning systems to provide a customized installation best able to meet specific platform, mission and budget requirements. Upgrades to existing systems are easy to install without further airframe modifications.
Northrop Grumman infrared countermeasures are enabling missions worldwide, having been installed on more than 1,800 aircrafts worldwide.
