BAE SYSTEMS TACTICAL IR COUNTERMEASURE PASSES CRUCIAL TESTS

BAE Systems Tactical Aircraft Directable Infrared Countermeasure System (TADIRCM) has successfully completed key tests for the U.S. Navy -- including hostile missile detection and jamming of both Air-to-Air and Surface-to-Air missile seekers.

The captive seeker and static missile firing tests took place from September 21 to October 5 at the Naval Weapons Range at China Lake, California.

In every test, the TADIRCM successfully placed laser energy on the missile seekers. Completion of these tests was a prerequisite for live fire tests, which are scheduled to begin later this month.

"TADIRCM will overcome a critical vulnerability for jet fighters operating in hostile territory," said Paul Egbert, Infrared Technology Development Manager for BAE Systems Information and Electronic Warfare Systems. "It will allow fighters to prosecute their missions more effectively at lower altitudes, with greater protection for the aircraft and flight crew."

TADIRCM, an Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) programme for the Naval Research Laboratory, is a low profile, laser-based IR countermeasure system. It will protect tactical and other fixed wing aircraft from surface-to-air and air-to air IR guided missiles. The system includes six two-color IR staring sensors, a signal processor, a modulated IR laser and two compact pointer/trackers. The system detects and tracks incoming missiles, and then decisively jams them with its "Agile Eye" jammer.

BAE Systems Information & Electronic Warfare Systems, part of BAE Systems North America is a major producer of aircraft self-protection systems and tactical surveillance and intelligence systems for all branches of the armed forces. Other major business areas include microwave, mission and space electronics, infrared imaging, and automated mission planning systems.

About BAE SYSTEMS:

BAE Systems is the truly global systems, defence and aerospace company. BAE Systems employs some 100,000 people and has annual sales of around £12 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills. BAE Systems designs and manufactures civil and military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defence products.

BAE Systems North America employs 22,000 people in the design, development, integration, manufacture and support of a wide range of advanced aerospace products and intelligent electronic systems for government and commercial customers.

For further information please contact:
Marianne Murphy, Information & Electronic Warfare Systems
Tel: +1 603 885 2812  Fax: +1 603 885 2813
marianne.murphy@baesystems.com

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Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384605  Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
www.baesystems.com

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