CMWS Protects Fixed-Wing Aircraft, Helicopters

The US Army has awarded BAE Systems a $52 million contract to provide more than 200 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS) to protect Army fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft against infrared guided missile threats.

BAE Systems has been delivering CMWS systems to the Army under an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract awarded in September 2004.

"BAE Systems has been and continues to focus on our aviation needs to equip aircraft with a protection system," said General Richard Cody, US Army vice chief of staff. "On many occasions, CMWS has saved lives in the global war on terrorism."

Dr. Conrad Struckman, BAE Systems' CMWS program director, said the Army had requested BAE Systems to field the advanced aircraft survivability equipment as quickly as possible "and our employees have answered the call. We have accelerated CMWS deliveries to 40 systems a month and climbing. We also have our employees supporting the equipment in theater."

The CMWS, BAE Systems' Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures (ATIRCM) system, and the advanced IR countermeasures munitions flares comprise the primary components of the Army's suite of integrated infrared countermeasures. ATIRCM/CMWS, the military's next-generation directable, multi-band laser-based countermeasures system, protects aircraft against widely deployed heat-seeking missile threats.

BAE Systems infrared countermeasures systems are protecting armed forces worldwide in various operations including the global war on terrorism. The countermeasures systems also are being developed to protect commercial aircraft against shoulder-fired missiles.

FMI: www.baesystems.com, www.army.mil