The five-year indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract is valued at $959.1m.
The CIRCM system is intended to offer protection to US Army rotary-wing and medium fixed-wing aircraft against infrared-guided missiles, shoulder-fired, vehicle-launched, and other missiles threats.
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The lightweight, laser-based countermeasure system uses advanced Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) technology.
In March, Northrop Grumman announced that the CIRCM missile defence system completed a six-month initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) activity and was ready to enter FRP.
Developed using Lean-Agile software, the CIRCM system features an open architecture that allows integration with existing hardware, upgrades, as well as helps reduce lifecycle costs.
Northrop Grumman navigation, targeting and survivability vice-president Bob Gough said: “CIRCM’s cutting-edge capability has been proven against the most advanced threats and the modular open systems approach brings flexibility for the future.
“Northrop Grumman and our partners have proven the mature production capacity to deliver and support the US Army’s mission with this life-saving technology today, and for years to come.”
CIRCM also complies with requirements related to size, weight and power (SWaP).
The company’s infrared countermeasures systems are designed for use on several large and small fixed-wing, rotary-wing and tilt-rotor platforms.
So far, these systems have been integrated into more than 1,500 aircraft.
In August 2019, Northrop Grumman announced the start of the initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) of the CIRCM system for the US Army’s helicopter fleet.
