Australia Requests LAIRCMS for C-130J
On May 21/08, the US DSCA announced Australia’s formal request for AN/AAQ-24(V) Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) systems to be installed on their C-130J Hercules transport aircraft. LAIRCM systems detect incoming infrared guided missiles, and use specific sets of laser pulses to divert them from their targets. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $100 million.
The request includes 12 Line Replaceable Units (LRUs): 12 Control Interface Units (CIU),12 System Processors (SP), 12 AN/AAR-54(V) Missile Warning Systems (MWS), 12 Small Laser Transmitter Assemblies (SLTA), Operational Flight Program (OFP) software, and spares (6 CIUs, 6 Sps, 7 individual MWS sensors, and 12 SLTAs). Installation support, engineering change proposals, minor modifications, support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documents, repair and return, depot maintenance, and other related elements of logistics and program support are also included.
The principal contractor will be Northrop Grumman Corporation in Rolling Meadows, IL. Implementation will require about 5 contractor representatives in Australia for 12 weeks after delivery. U.S. Government and contractor representatives will also participate in program management and technical reviews for two-week intervals annually.