BAE SYSTEMS2004-08-26 16:57:58
BAE SYSTEMS PROCEEDS TO PHASE II FOR U.S. COMMERCIAL AIRLINER PROTECTION
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced that BAE Systems has been selected to participate in Phase II of its Counter-MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense Systems) program to protect commercial aircraft against threats posed by infrared guided missiles.
The missiles, commonly called MANPADS, have been used to down civilian airliners and increasingly have become regarded as a potential terrorist tool since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Under a $45 million DHS award, BAE Systems' Information & Electronic Warfare Systems (IEWS) in Nashua, N.H., will develop, test and evaluate a prototype system using existing military and commercial technology. Phase II is expected to last 18 months, followed by a DHS recommendation to the Administration and Congress.
"BAE Systems is extremely pleased be part of Phase II of the Counter-MANPADS program. We have put together the right team, including leaders in the commercial aviation industry, to produce a state-of-the-art IR missile protection system that leverages our proven military technology and fits seamlessly into the commercial airline industry,� said Don Donovan, president of the company's Electronic Warfare/Electronic Protection line of business. "BAE Systems is proud to offer a solution to this critical national issue.�
BAE Systems originated counter-IR defence electronic technology in the early 1970s, and has delivered more than 14,000 countermeasure systems for the military. The BAE Systems' proposal is based on the Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures and Common Missile Warning System. Developed for the U.S. Army and currently in production, the system provides next-generation, directable, laser countermeasures for protection of aircraft against heat-seeking missiles.
BAE Systems' team includes key partners Honeywell Aerospace, leading the operations and support elements; Sargent Fletcher, designing the pod which houses the missile warning and countermeasures components; and American Airlines, providing critical stakeholder perspective to ensure commercial compatibility.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced that BAE Systems has been selected to participate in Phase II of its Counter-MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense Systems) program to protect commercial aircraft against threats posed by infrared guided missiles.
The missiles, commonly called MANPADS, have been used to down civilian airliners and increasingly have become regarded as a potential terrorist tool since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Under a $45 million DHS award, BAE Systems' Information & Electronic Warfare Systems (IEWS) in Nashua, N.H., will develop, test and evaluate a prototype system using existing military and commercial technology. Phase II is expected to last 18 months, followed by a DHS recommendation to the Administration and Congress.
"BAE Systems is extremely pleased be part of Phase II of the Counter-MANPADS program. We have put together the right team, including leaders in the commercial aviation industry, to produce a state-of-the-art IR missile protection system that leverages our proven military technology and fits seamlessly into the commercial airline industry,� said Don Donovan, president of the company's Electronic Warfare/Electronic Protection line of business. "BAE Systems is proud to offer a solution to this critical national issue.�
BAE Systems originated counter-IR defence electronic technology in the early 1970s, and has delivered more than 14,000 countermeasure systems for the military. The BAE Systems' proposal is based on the Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures and Common Missile Warning System. Developed for the U.S. Army and currently in production, the system provides next-generation, directable, laser countermeasures for protection of aircraft against heat-seeking missiles.
BAE Systems' team includes key partners Honeywell Aerospace, leading the operations and support elements; Sargent Fletcher, designing the pod which houses the missile warning and countermeasures components; and American Airlines, providing critical stakeholder perspective to ensure commercial compatibility.
For more information contact:
Warwick House
Po Box 87
Farnborough Aerospace Centre
Farnborough
Hampshire
GU14 6YU
United Kingdom
Tel: + 44 1252 373232
Fax: + 44 1252 383000
