Large Aircraft InfraRed Counter Measures (LAIRCM)

Abstract

The Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) system 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 (CIU) 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. The 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 03 Aug 98. The system was first fielded on the C-17 aircraft. The baseline program development is complete and consists of the small laser transmitter assembly (SLTA), ultra-violet MWS, processor, 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 08. 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. Developmental test/operational test (DT/OT) was conducted in FY10 with initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) in FY11. LAIRCM upgrades include, but are not limited to hardware and software upgrades and testing of the LAIRCM system to maintain concurrency with new and emerging threats. Future capabilities include engagement reporting (ER), Closed Loop Infrared Countermeasures (CLIRCM) and other emerging capabilities to upgrade/update system threat defeating ability, and development/integration of new LRUs/LRU variants into the current system based on emerging technology and upgrades to the capability of support/test equipment. LAIRCM program will accomplish group A integration and testing, as well as integration support to incorporate LAIRCM on new platforms, per DOD direction; at the request of AMC, AFSOC, multiple potential tanker aircraft variants, and other federal agency requirements. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2013
Source ID
0401134F_7_3600_PB_2013
Change Summary Explanation
FY11 Congressional General Reduction of 0.088M in Other Adjustment row. FY13 funding decrease is due to higher Department of Defense priorities.
Service Agency Name
Air Force

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Defense
  • Aircrafts
  • Contracts
  • Cost Analysis
  • Costs
  • Countermeasures
  • Defense Systems
  • Department Of Defense
  • Infrared Countermeasures
  • Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures
  • Procurement
  • Production
  • Tanker Aircraft
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Equipment
  • Warning Systems

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering

Technology Areas

  • 5G
  • 5G - DoD 5G Program
  • Directed Energy

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