ATIRCM/CMWS

Abstract

Beginning in FY12, L20 is broken into subprograms consisting of CMWS (VU7), CIRCM (VU8) and HFDS (VS6). The US Army operational requirements concept for Infrared (IR) countermeasure systems is known as the Suite of Integrated Infrared Countermeasures (SIIRCM). It is an integrated warning and countermeasure system to enhance aircraft survivability against IR guided threat missile systems. The core element of the SIIRCM concept is the Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasure/Common Missile Warning System (ATIRCM/CMWS) Program. The ATIRCM/CMWS, a subsystem to a host aircraft, is an integrated ultraviolet (UV) missile warning system and an IR Laser Jamming and Improved Countermeasure Dispenser (ICMD). The ATIRCM/CMWS program was restructured per an Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (USD (AT&L)) Acquisition Decision Memorandum (ADM) dated April 15, 2009. USD (AT&L) designated the ATIRCM/CMWS program as an Acquisition Category (ACAT) 1D special interest program, and directed the establishment of the CMWS, ATIRCM QRC and Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM) subprograms. On September 3, 2010, Mr Kendall, Principal Deputy to the USD(AT&L), Acting DAE signed an ADM approving the reinstatement of MS C for CMWS and redesignating the ATIRCM QRC and CMWS subprograms as ACAT IC. Mr. Kendall also approved new baselines for each subprogram. The CMWS subprogram is a UV missile warning system that cues both flare and laser countermeasures to defeat incoming infrared missiles. The B-kit consists of the components which perform the missile detection and identification, false alarm rejection, hostile missile declaration, and countermeasure employment functions of the system. The CMWS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) receives UV missile detection data from Electro-optic Missile Sensors (EOMS) and sends a missile alert signal to alert crewmen via on-board avionics, and ATIRCM QRC Jam Head Control Unit. Tier 1 threat missiles detected and tracked by the CMWS are subsequently defeated by a combination of missile seeker countermeasures, including decoy flares and ATIRCM IR Laser Jamming (CH-47 platform). The CMWS Generation 3 (Gen 3) Electronics Control Unit (ECU) will meet Tier 1 requirements while retaining a low false alarm rate. The Gen 3 ECU is required to obtain a Full Material Release for CMWS and ensure protection against emerging IR guided missile threats. The ATIRCM Quick Reaction Capability (QRC) subprogram is an ATIRCM program transition in response to Operational Needs Statement (ONS) Number 08-5661 dated June 10, 2008. This ONS outlines the urgent requirement to equip CH-47 helicopters being used in SWA in support of Operation Enduring Freedom/ Operation New Dawn (OEF/OND) with an improved IRCM capability to counter threats from advanced Man Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS). To address this requirement, an ATIRCM QRC for seventy (70) CH-47 helicopters was authorized by an Acquisition Decision Memorandum (ADM) signed September 15, 2008 by the Army Acquisition Executive (AAE). The DAE signed an ADM on April 15, 2009 that increased this urgent requirement to equip a total of eighty-three (83) CH-47 helicopters. The CIRCM (next generation ATIRCM) subprogram is an infrared countermeasure system that interfaces with a Missile Warning System (MWS) to provide near spherical coverage of the host platform in order to defeat all IR threats. In an ADM dated July 19, 2010, the Defense Acquisition Executive (DAE) directed that the SIIRCM ORD be the requirement baseline for the CIRCM, in lieu of an Initial Capabilities Document (ICD). The DAE directed that CIRCM provide the sole acquisition of future laser based infrared countermeasure systems for all rotary-wing, tilt-rotor, and small fixed wing aircraft across the Department of Defense. The CIRCM subprogram is projected to reach Milestone A in Fiscal Year 2011. The A-kit for CMWS, ATIRCM QRC, and CIRCM includes mounting hardware, wiring harnesses, cables, and other components necessary to install and interface the mission kit on host aircraft. The A-kit ensures the mission kit is functionally and physically operational with a specific host aircraft type. The Hostile Fire Detection System (HFDS) provides small arms fire detection, orientation, type and real time cueing to all aircrew members enabling avoidance and/or response. The Hostile Fire Quick Reaction Capability (HF QRC) is in response to Operational Needs Statement (ONS) Number 09-0836 dated May 09, 2009. This ONS outlines the urgent requirement for a ballistic threat detection system for Army aircraft. To address this requirement the Army Resource and Requirements Board (AR2B) and War Production Board (WPB) approved a Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) based solution. This capability is scheduled for fielding in Fiscal Year 2012.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2012
• Source ID: L20_0604270A_5_2040_PB_2012

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering

Technology Areas

• Directed Energy
• Microelectronics
• Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems