Large Aircraft InfraRed Counter Measures (LAIRCM)

Abstract

The Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures System (LAIRCM) is an evolutionary acquisition program that provides significantly improved defensive systems capability for DoD aircraft to counter the infrared (IR) Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems (MANPADS) missile threat. The current LAIRCM system configuration [AN/AAQ-24V] consists of an ultra-violet missile-warning sensor (MWS), a laser transmitter assembly, control interface unit and processors to detect, track, jam and counter incoming IR missiles. The number of sensors and turrets per aircraft is determined by the size and signature of the aircraft. This system is fully automatic following system power-up. LAIRCM requirements are documented in the multi-command Operational Requirements Document (ORD) - LAIRCM ORD 314-92, validated on 3 Aug 98. The system was first fielded in May 03 on the C-17 aircraft. The Baseline program development is complete and consists of the small laser transmitter assembly, ultra-violet MWS, processor, and Control Interface Unit (CIU) and a repeater (on some aircraft) to meet the need for advanced IR countermeasures. The Guardian Laser Transmitter Assembly (GLTA) is an upgrade to the baseline transmitter equipment. First production GLTA delivery occurred in June FY08. Development of the Next Generation Missile Warning System (NexGen MWS) is new hardware that improves capability. Baseline equipment (ultra-violet MWS) will be retrofitted with the NexGen MWS as it becomes available. DT/OT will be conducted in FY10 with IOT&E in FY11. LAIRCM upgrades - This includes continuous hardware and software upgrades and testing of the LAIRCM system to maintain concurrency with new and emerging threats. Theses upgrades include, but are not limited to capability, hardware and/or software, upgrades to current LAIRCM LRUs for capabilities like engagement reporting (ER), Closed Loop Infrared Countermeasure (CLIRCM) and other newly emerging capabilities to upgrade/update system threat defeating ability. It also includes development/integration of new LRUs/LRU variants into the current LAIRCM system based on newly emergent technology. Upgrades to the capability of LAIRCM support/test equipment are captured here. Group A integration and testing as well as integration support to incorporate LAIRCM on new platforms including C-130J, multiple potential C-130H/J variants as defined by AMC and AFSOC, and multiple potential tanker aircraft variants as defined by AMC will be accomplished. LAIRCM is Budget Activity 7, Operational Systems Development, as it is an electronic countermeasures system upgrade to existing weapons systems.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2011
• Source ID: 0401134F_7_3600_PB_2011
• Change Summary Explanation: FY09: Re-phasing of $4.388M A/C integration program for LAIRCM on C-130J and AFSOC A/C from FY09 to FY11. FY09: Other Adjustments: $0.111M for Congressional rescissions, $1.002M SBIR/STTR transfer, and $12.909M for reprogrammings (Total $14.010M). FY10: Other Adjustments: $5.000M for Congressional Program Reductions
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Air Platforms
• Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Air Defense
• Air Force
• Aircrafts
• Contracts
• Cost Analysis
• Countermeasures
• Defense Systems
• Detectors
• Electronic Countermeasures
• Infrared Countermeasures
• Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures
• Manportable Equipment
• Product Development
• Production
• Tanker Aircraft
• Test Equipment
• Warning Systems

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.

Technology Areas

• 5G
• 5G - DoD 5G Program
• Directed Energy
• Microelectronics
• Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems