Article Posted on : - Oct 30, 2010

US Marine Corps CH-53 heavy-lift helicopters

INDIANAPOLIS (BNS): The Department of the Navy's Naval Air Systems Command has awarded Raytheon a $14.8 million contract to produce dual pod countermeasures dispensers for US Marine Corps CH-53 heavy-lift helicopters.

Aircrews will use the pods to dispense chaff and flares to counter incoming missiles. The dual pods will replace current single-pod dispenser systems on the aircraft, enhancing the protection provided to crews and passengers, Raytheon said.

"The CH-53 dual pod system will improve survivability of the aircraft in the combat zone," said Wayne Iurillo, RTSC vice president of customized engineering and depot support. "But most important, it will save lives of our warfighters."

Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC (RTSC) will manufacture the units at its Indianapolis operation.