USAF KC-135s To Test Northrop Grumman Missile Protection

By: Chris Pocock

June 19, 2009
Defense

Northrop Grumman has now equipped more than 400 aircraft of 42 types with its AAQ-24(V) Nemesis directed infrared countermeasures system, which is designed to protect aircraft against shoulder-launched missiles, or Manpads. The original plasma lamp-based turret gave way to the eye-safe Viper laser from 2002, and the system continues to be in great demand. Now the company is examining a range of new applications for Nemesis. The Guardian pod, which incorporates Nemesis technology and was developed for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for potential applications to commercial airliners, is now prepared for trials on a U.S. Air Force Boeing KC-135. Delays in replacing these elderly tankers have made the exercise worthwhile.

The Guardian pod may also be fitted to some of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet commercial airliners that support DOD deployments. Furthermore, there are studies to install Guardian on the KC-10 Extender and Boeing 757/C-32. Northrop Grumman has also proposed a Guardian-based installation to be carried on the centerline pylon of the close-air-support A-10, this station not normally being occupied with weapons.

Meanwhile, Northrop Grumman is looking at smaller, lighter units for helicopter use. Although Manpads are a particularly high-risk threat for rotary-wing aircraft, helicopters cannot carry enough weight to warrant a 500-pound installation nor can they generate enough power to drive the turret.

Back

BAE Systems Tells UK Fraud Office: See You in Court, if Necessary October 26, 2009 After years of investigation, Britain’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) said it would seek to prosecute BAE Systems “for offenses related to overseas... [more]
French Bid To Outmanuever Opposing Fighters in Brazil September 15, 2009 A top-level handshake in Brazil earlier this month does not necessarily mean the end of that country’s long quest to select a new fighter.... [more]
Airbus Claims Technical Progress with A400M September 15, 2009 Anxious to demonstrate progress toward a first flight, Airbus Military will hold another technical press briefing on the troubled A400M... [more]
New Chinooks for Canada, and Upgrades for UK September 15, 2009 Boeing took a long-expected order from Canada for 15 CH-47F Chinook helicopters worth $1.15 billion. These will be new-build helicopters, to... [more]
Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Scott Carson Announces Retirement in Major Realignment August 31, 2009 Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Scott Carson announced today that he will retire from the company at the end of the year. Boeing... [more]