JETEYE Wins SAFETY Designation

BAE Systems received designation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for its JETEYE aircraft missile defense system, which is developed to protect commercial airliners against infrared-guided missiles. The company received SAFETY Act designation. The SAFETY (Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies) Act encourages the development and rapid deployment of anti-terrorism technologies by giving sellers of qualified technologies liability protection from lawsuits. BAE, which is in Phase III of the DHS Counter-MANPADS program, said the JETEYE will continue flying on American Airlines, and also will fly on an ABX Air cargo aircraft. The continuing development aims to reduce the potential cost to the airline industry by streamlining system installation, reducing aerodynamic drag and improving reliability and maintainability. The JETEYE system is based on the company’s existing directable infrared countermeasure system to protect military aircraft.