CIRCM tests carried out on UH-60M
The US Army has test flown the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter equipped with new Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) system.
CIRCM is an improved countermeasure system over the current Common Missile Warning System used on army aircraft while deployed. The CIRCM takes advantage of the current aircraft backbone and integrates itself with existing aircraft systems, while displaying within the pilot vehicle interface which displays aircraft systems messages for the pilot.
For the testing, test aircrew first received new equipment training prior to conducting flights. Crews then conducted eight missions yielding over 40 hours of test data, which consisted of air assault, air movement and aeromedical evacuation missions in both day and night environments.
CIRCM test events were designed to test the system under an operationally realistic environment while providing the test unit with training and support to improve overall readiness. To deliver that realistic operational threat environment, the US Army's Center for Countermeasures provided a Multi-Spectral Sea and Land Target Simulator to engage the aircrew as they performed the missions, forcing the test unit to react and employ tactics, techniques and procedures as if they were conducting combat operations.
The Army Evaluation Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland will assess data gathered from CIRCM testing to support an Operational Evaluation Report. The testing will also inform a Full Rate Production decision for the army.
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