DIRCM Installed On Marine Helicopters

Northrop Grumman won two contracts worth a combined $13 million to equip USMC CH-53D and -46E helos with its Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) system.

The CH-53D will be the third Marine Corps helicopter platform to receive DIRCM, which protects against shoulder-launched, heat-seeking missiles. The CH-46E will receive enhancements to streamline maintenance and handling in the field. System deliveries take place this year.

Northrop Grumman in 2007 received contracts for installation, design and flight testing of DIRCM on CH-46E and CH-53E helicopters, representing the first integration of the company's two-color infrared missile warning sensor with its Mini Pointer/Tracker assembly jam head. DIRCM will now identify threat missiles in the same spectrum the missile uses to track the aircraft, improving missile detection and survivability, the company said.