ITT Conducts Successful Test Flights on Infrared Countermeasures System

ITT Corporation recently demonstrated the capabilities of a fully integrated airborne Infrared Countermeasures (IRCM) system.

This fourth series of flights was conducted at the Joint Base M-D-L, Lakehurst, N.J. under the sponsorship of the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command.

The tests simulated a complete engagement of a missile attack, from detection by the on-board Missile Warning System through response by ITT’s Countermeasures System, which tracked the threat and responded with a countermeasures laser to divert the threat successfully from the aircraft.

The system operated fully autonomously throughout the engagement with no manual inputs.

“This successful test shows our system can offer vitally needed protection for combat helicopters,” said Chris Bernhardt, president of ITT’s Electronic Systems Value Center. “With hundreds of flights being flown daily around the world, these helicopters are the transport workhorses in several operational theaters.”

The system flown at Lakehurst consisted of a missile warning system used to alert the aircrew of an incoming anti-aircraft missile, a pointer-tracker used to direct the laser energy at the missile seeker head, a laser used to jam the guidance system of the threat missile, and the computer processors necessary to ensure a timely and coordinated response.

This system was successful in detecting, tracking, and countering all threats directed at the aircraft.

ITT has been leveraging its experience to produce a system that is lighter in weight, more reliable, and less costly to procure and maintain than IRCM systems currently available.

If an anti-aircraft missile is fired at an aircraft, the IRCM system tracks the missile and blinds it with a laser. The laser beam makes it impossible for the missile’s sensor to home in on the helicopter. Further, ITT’s IRCM system combines the highest reliability of any known system with the lowest ownership costs.

Mature and proven technologies from industry leading suppliers across the nation have been selected for both capabilities and ruggedness to produce the best possible system.

The ITT IRCM system is designed to provide electronic protection for several types of aircraft. The current focus is on improving the survivability of helicopters employed by the Army on the modern battlefield. ITT is competing to supply its system for the Army’s Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) requirement on its combat helicopter fleet. The system also may be employed on helicopter and fixed wing aircraft fleets of the Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force.

“These anti-missile systems greatly improve aircraft survivability, protecting the lives of aircrews and their passengers, as well as protecting these critical lifelines in conflicts around the world,” Bernhardt said.

ITT Electronic Systems is a leading supplier of information and electronic warfare (EW) technologies, systems and services that enable mission success and survivability. Key technologies include integrated EW systems for a variety of aircraft, reconnaissance and surveillance systems for air and sea-based applications, force protection and counter-IED systems, precision landing and air traffic systems for military applications, and under sea systems encompassing mine defense, naval command and sonar systems, and acoustic sensors. In addition, ITT Electronic Systems produces aircraft armament suspension and release equipment, electronic weapons interface systems, and advanced composite structures and subsystems.

About ITT Corporation

ITT Corporation is a high-technology engineering and manufacturing company operating on all seven continents in three vital markets: water and fluids management, global defense and security, and motion and flow control. With a heritage of innovation, ITT partners with its customers to deliver extraordinary solutions that create more livable environments, provide protection and safety and connect our world. Headquartered in White Plains, N.Y., the company reported 2009 revenue of $10.9 billion. www.itt.com

John C. Dench
973 284 4543
john.dench@itt.com