$44.8M to Protect C-130s from Terrorists
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The Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH has issued a pair of contracts to Northrop Grumman worth $44.8 million, in order to improve C-130H Hercules protection against infared threats like shoulder-fired missiles. These missiles have been used in attacks on allied aircraft in Iraq. The Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) system includes detectors and crew warning systems, and automatically uses a modulated laser beam to jam incoming threats without crew intervention. The contracted work will be complete June 2006.
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. in Rolling Meadows, IL received a $16.8 million contract modification (F33657-01-C-2093/P00085) to provide associated LAIRCM hardware and system support including spares, support equipment, technical data, training, interim contractor support and over and above repairs during aircraft modification and installation. In addition, Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. Electronic Systems’ Defensive Systems Division in Rolling Meadows, IL received a $28 million undefinitized contract modification (F33657-01-C-2093/P00072) to provide for FY 2005 modification of 12 C-130H aircraft to accept the LAIRCM system. The contractor also will provide aircraft hardware, spares, technical data, training, support and over and above aircraft repairs during installation. See also Military Aerospace Technology: Protecting the Big Birds
