Common Infrared Countermeasures program: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 20:38, 7 September 2011

Revision as of 01:53, 8 September 2011

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CIRCM, The Common Infrared Countermeasures program, is a [[United States Army]] program intended to develop a lightweight, low-cost and modular laser-based infrared protection system for U.S. helicopters and light fixed-wing aircraft. The technology will primarily provide defense against shoulder-fired, heat-seeking missiles [[MANPADS]]. The program is being developed to replace older, less reliable suites such as the Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures ATIRCM and Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures LAIRCM systems, which have drawn repeated criticism from military commanders and industry actors.

The CIRCM system will be designed to meet Tri-Service "common" Army, Navy, and Air Force requirements. The [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]]’s (DoD) strategy is to competitively develop a lightweight and cost-effective jammer subsystem for installation on all DoD rotary-wing and slow moving fixed-wing aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|last=Osborn|first=Kris|title=Army Improving Helicopter Protective Measures|url=http://www.army.mil/article/43929/|publisher=United States Army|accessdate=6 September 2011}}</ref> Currently, platforms by [[BAE Systems]], [[ITT Corporation]]'s Defense and Information Solutions, (now ITT Exelis) [[Northrop Grumman]] and [[Raytheon]] are under consideration.<ref>{{cite web|title=Request for Information - Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM) Program|url=https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&tab=core&id=c2e3412e9db20183d6581810bae29979&cck=1&au=&ck=|publisher=United States General Services Administration - Federal Business Opporunities|accessdate=29 August 2011}}</ref>

=== Infrared Countermeasures (IRCM) ===

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The Common Missile Warning System is a sensor that consists of electro-optical missile sensors capable of detecting incoming missile threats, and an electronic control unit that informs the aircraft crew of the threat, automatically triggering flare/chaff countermeasures.<ref>{{cite web|title=DOTE FY09 Annual Report - Army Programs (pp.55-56)|url=http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2009/pdf/other/2009DOTEAnnualReport.pdf|publisher=Director, Operational Test and Evaluation - US Department of Defense|accessdate=29 August 2011}}</ref>

As of the end of 2009, the production CMWS coupled with chaff/flare dispensers was deployed on approximately 1,000 Army CH-47 Chinooks, UH-60 Blackhawks, [[AH-64]] Apaches, [R]C-12 Hurons [[Cessna Citation V|UC-35]] Citations and [[C-23 Sherpa|C-23]] Sherpa Aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|title=DOTE FY09 Annual Report - Army Programs (pp.55-56)|url=http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2009/pdf/other/2009DOTEAnnualReport.pdf|publisher=Director, Operational Test and Evaluation - US Department of Defense|accessdate=29 August 2011}}</ref>

In future, the military will utilize the integrated CMWS/CIRCM suite to enhance threat warning and improve defensive countermeasures for helicopters and small, slow-moving fixed-wing aircraft whose size precludes the use of LAIRCM. The systems will protect aircraft and crews from shoulder-fired, vehicle-launched, and other advanced infrared guided missile threats during vulnerable low-altitude operations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Suite of Infrared Countermeasures [SIIRCM]|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/systems/siircm-program.htm|publisher=GlobalSecurity.org|accessdate=7 September 2011}}</ref>

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The program is currently in the technology maturation phase, and all competitors will be emphasizing the reliability and adherence of their systems to the modular open system architecture, which has prompted bidders to seek a competitive edge over and above the requirements of the DoD.<ref>{{cite web|last=Trimble|first=Stephen|title=CIRCM bidders consider ways to dazzle US Army budgeters|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/07/21/359718/circm-bidders-consider-ways-to-dazzle-us-army-budgeters.html|publisher=FlightGlobal.com|accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref>

ITT, for example, has been developing a CIRCM system that has now reached a [[technology readiness level]] (TRL) of 6 (demonstrated level of readiness) which includes functionality to address the threats posed by low-tech and ubiquitous non IR-guided projectiles such as bullets and rocket-propelled grenades ([[RPGRocket-propelled grenade|RPGs]]s). This would work by employing an additional visible, non-lethal laser that could be directed at the source of the small-arms fire, dazzling the enemy and making it impossible for them to look directly at their target.<ref>{{cite web|title=New Laser Countermeasures Could Defeat RPGs|url=http://defensetech.org/2011/07/08/new-laser-countermeasures-could-defeat-rpgs/|publisher=DefenseTech.org|accessdate=2 September 2011}}</ref>

Such additional functionalities will likely be important in the military’s decision to award the CIRCM contract, particularly in light of the persistent threat of low-tech small arms fire (including RPGs), which are not, addressed in the majority of advanced technology IRCM systems.