Air Defense Systems for Commercial Aircraft enters US$ 90 Million Phase II

Northrop Grumman Corporation and BAE Systems have been selected by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for Phase II of its Counter-Man Portable Air Defense Systems (Counter-MANPADS) program, which is designed to protect commercial aircraft from attack by ground-based, infrared guided, shoulder-fired missiles.

The missiles, commonly called MANPADS, have been used to down civilian airliners and increasingly have become regarded as a potential terrorist tool since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

During the Phase II contract, which is valued at $45 million, Northrop Grumman will complete the design, fabrication, installation, flight testing and certification of prototype counter-MANPADS systems for two commercial aircraft: the Boeing 747 and the MD-11. For the DHS program, Northrop Grumman is adapting its directional infrared countermeasure (DIRCM) system, an anti-missile system currently in production and deployed on a variety of military aircraft around the world.

Also under a $45 million DHS award, BAE Systems’ Information & Electronic Warfare Systems (IEWS) in Nashua, N.H., will develop, test and evaluate a prototype system using existing military and commercial technology.

Phase II is expected to last 18 months, followed by a DHS recommendation to the Administration and Congress.

“BAE Systems is extremely pleased be part of Phase II of the Counter-MANPADS program. We have put together the right team, including leaders in the commercial aviation industry, to produce a state-of-the-art IR missile protection system that leverages our proven military technology and fits seamlessly into the commercial airline industry,” said Don Donovan, president of BAE Systems’ Electronic Warfare/Electronic Protection line of business.

"Northrop Grumman is committed to supporting the Department's fight against low-altitude threats," said David Zolet, vice president of Homeland Security for Northrop Grumman Corporation. "This program is an integral first step in a layered defense for our national airspace."

Northrop Grumman is supported by two key industry partners on its counter-MANPADS team: Federal Express and Northwest Airlines. Federal Express will provide engineering services for installation, and aircraft modification and certification. Northwest Airlines will provide engineering and technical services to develop a commercially viable equipment set suitable for operation within commercial airframes.

BAE Systems’ team includes key partners Honeywell Aerospace, leading the operations and support elements; Sargent Fletcher, designing the pod which houses the missile warning and countermeasures components; and American Airlines, providing critical stakeholder perspective to ensure commercial compatibility.