Raytheon has used its missile experience to develop an infrared countermeasures (IRCM) capability that is vying to provide a LAIRCM (large-aircraft IRCM) solution for the U.S. Air Force’s fixed-wing platforms, and a CIRCM (common IRCM) system for the U.S. Army’s helicopters. A recent test series was conducted with great success.
For the U.S. Air Force, the company has developed the Quiet Eyes laser turret assembly (QELTA ), which won a Defense Acquisition Challenge contract. Raytheon used AIM-9X air-to-air missile seeker technology as the basis for developing the system that directs a quantum cascade laser (QCL) at threats. It is compatible with lasers from several suppliers, and in the QELTA configuration employs a Daylight Solutions QCL. The turret is designed to fit existing airframe apertures and connections, and a trial installation has been made on a C-130 Hercules. In March, the QELTA was put through a grueling tower test at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.
