The U.S. Army has declared the Northrop Grumman Corporation Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM) system operationally suitable, effective and ready for full-rate production following a successful six-month initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) activity. CIRCM’s dual-jammer configuration helps to protect aircrews while providing the highest level of aircraft survivability.During the rigorous testing, the system was flown through a multitude of scenarios and environments to assess CIRCM’s ability to detect, engage and defeat threats. The system rapidly defeated all threats during IOT&E, proving it is ready to support the complex missions of the U.S. Army.
The CIRCM system provides protection against a wide range of infrared-guided anti-aircraft missile threats, including shoulder-fired and vehicle-launched. In addition to baseline performance, the system’s next-generation open architecture design will enable rapid and timely capability enhancements to keep pace with changing mission needs. Northrop Grumman also leverages digital engineering technologies and lean-Agile methodologies to deliver continued system improvement throughout CIRCM’s lifecycle to counter new and evolving threats.
“Through our partnership with the U.S. Army and our suppliers, we have already delivered over 100 production systems,” said Bob Gough, vice president, navigation, targeting and survivability, Northrop Grumman. The successful completion of IOT&E confirms CIRCM’s readiness for full-rate production.
Northrop Grumman Corporation’s Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM) systems for the U.S. Army has entered Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E). CIRCM is a lightweight countermeasure system that uses laser energy to defend aircraft against infrared threats. Its modular, open systems architecture allows it to be integrated with systems and sensors to address current and emerging threats. CIRCM system for the U.S. Army has successfully completed free flight missile testing at White Sands Missile Range. As part of this test, the CIRCM system was presented with engagements in both single and multiple shot scenarios while mounted to an aircraft that hangs from an aerial cable.
