Article Posted on : - Mar 09, 2015

A BAE Systems photo

LONDON (BNS): BAE Systems' Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures (ATIRCM) system has been approved for export by the US Department of Defence.

The export approval paves the way for sales to allied nations around the world, giving them access to this life-saving technology, the Company said.

ATIRCM utilizes BAE Systems' Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) to detect an incoming missile and communicate the missile's position relative to the aircraft.

ATIRCM then locates and tracks the incoming threat and emits a high-energy laser beam to defeat the missile's infrared seeker, effectively blinding its guidance system and preventing it from homing in on the aircraft, according to BAE Systems.

Developed in partnership with the US Army and currently deployed on military helicopters, ATIRCM has proven to be highly effective in protecting both rotary and fixed wing aircraft.

"In today's environment with the proliferation of surface-to-air missiles, a proven aircraft survivability system to counter advanced threats meets an immediate need," said Bill Staib, director of threat management solutions at BAE Systems.

"We are seeing tremendous international interest for this system, which has proven to be both highly effective and reliable since its fielding in 2009."