By Andy Choi
A global security company, Northrop Grumman has been awarded a contract by the United States Navy according to which Northrop Grumman will provide advanced threat warning (ATW) sensors to the Department of the Navy Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (DoN LAIRCM) division to protect aircraft and crews against threats received in the battlefield.
The Vice President–Land and Self Protection Systems division at Northrop Grumman, Carl Smith stated that the multi-functional ATW sensor has been designed to provide a four-in-one capability that includes laser warning, missile warning, sensor video and hostile fire detection. Available in a single sensor package, the upgraded sensors will provide warfighters with enhanced threat detection capabilities thus allowing them to be warned anti-aircraft artillery, heat-seeking missile attacks, unguided rocket attacks, small arms fire or machine gun fire in advance and take necessary measures.
Northrop Grumman will deliver a total of 24 ATW sensors along with five processors designed to be integrated on the CH-53 aircraft. The new ATW sensors have been designed to be form-fit as well as A-kit compatible with the missile warning system currently deployed by the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures division of the navy.
The IRCM system developed by Northrop Grumman is scheduled for installation on hundreds of military aircrafts. The system will protect almost 50 distinct types of large rotary-wing platforms and fixed-wing transports from IR missile attacks. The system is capable of detecting missile launches automatically and determines if or not it poses a threat. Accordingly the system activates a laser-based high-intensity countermeasure system that can track and obliterate the missile.
Source: http://www.northropgrumman.com