Aircraft
Northrop Grumman Lands Another LAIRCM Contract, Awaits CIRCM Protest
The sensor turret of Northrop Grumman’s AN/AAQ-24 large aircraft infrared countermeasure (LAIRCM) deployed on a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
The sensor turret of Northrop Grumman’s AN/AAQ-24 large aircraft infrared countermeasure (LAIRCM) deployed on a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)

Northrop Grumman has gained a large new contract from the U.S. Air Force to supply its large aircraft infrared countermeasures (LAIRCM) system for fixed-wing platforms. In February it was one of two contractors the Army selected to demonstrate a next-generation common infrared countermeasures (CIRCM) system for helicopters and other aircraft, although a bid protest has stalled that program.