Rotorcraft
Northrop Grumman Wins Army Countermeasures Contract
The Common Infrared Countermeasures Systems will eventually protect hundreds of helicopters and other aircraft from missile threats.
The Common Infrared Countermeasures system is designed to jam heat-seeking man portable missiles. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
The Common Infrared Countermeasures system is designed to jam heat-seeking man portable missiles. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)

The U.S. Army awarded Northrop Grumman a $35 million contract to begin development of a laser-based countermeasures system that will eventually protect hundreds of helicopters and other aircraft from missile threats. The service expects to begin fielding the Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) system for both Army and Marine Corps aircraft in 2019.