Raytheon's CIRCM can shield UAVs
Raytheon Company's Common Infrared Counter Measures solution for US Army helicopters is also ideal for protecting unmanned aircraft systems. At 15 pounds less than the Army's requirement, Raytheon's CIRCM system is lightweight enough for large UAS platforms.
"These unmanned aircraft are widely deployed in today's battlespace, and they are highly vulnerable to missile attacks," said Mike Booen, vice president of Advanced Security and Directed Energy Systems for Raytheon Missile Systems. "Raytheon is developing a family of directed infrared counter measure (DIRCM) solutions that can protect cargo aircraft and combat helicopters; unmanned is the next logical step."
Operating at the speed of light, DIRCM systems use low-watt lasers to confuse the guidance systems of sophisticated missiles and divert them away from aircraft. Raytheon's CIRCM is part of the company's family of DIRCM systems.
"Raytheon's DIRCM solutions are lighter, more reliable and draw significantly less power than other systems on the market today," said Booen. "Our solutions are also flexible; we can integrate with any laser and any warning system."
Raytheon is competing as a prime contractor for the Army's CIRCM contract. Once fielded, CIRCM systems will shield the Army's combat helicopters from guided missiles. A contract downselect is expected early next year.
Raytheon CIRCM benefits
-- Extremely lightweight
-- Highly reliable
-- Integrates with any laser and warning system
Source: Raytheon
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine]()
Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine
Germany has committed to sending Ukraine six of its 21 retiring WS-61 Westland Sea King multirole, amphibious helicopters.
-
![Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook]()
Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook
Boeing has clinched a major contract modification to further its backing of the US Special Operations Command’s MH-47G Chinook aircraft modernisation effort.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut]()
Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut
Two KAI helicopters, the KUH-1E utility helicopter and the Light Attack Helicopter (LAH), have taken centre stage at the Dubai Airshow 2023.
-
![Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter]()
Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter
The Italian Navy now boasts a fleet of 56 NH90 helicopters comprising 46 SH-90As and 10 MH-90As.
-
![Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters]()
Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters
The Argentinian Air Force (FAA) and the Argentinian Naval Aviation Command (COAN) are looking for options to upgrade their helicopter fleets.
-
![DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest]()
DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest
Lockheed Martin promises a boost to the British job market and export opportunities, while strengthening ties with Poland and positioning the UK for a future in rotorcraft technology in the event of a New Medium Helicopter competition triumph.
