Countermeasures system to equip KC-130J planes
NewsMay 19, 2020
ARLINGTON, Va. BAE Systems announced a $26.7 million U.S. Navy contract to fit its infrared countermeasures system onto KC-130J cargo and refueling planes, the company said. The contract calls for the installation of the Navy's Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures system (LAIRCM) the aircraft.
The system is a defensive warning package combining a missile warning system and infrared laser jammer countermeasure system to protect the aircraft from guided missiles. Up to 19 KC-130J planes of the Navy will receive the system, which will be installed in Crestview, Fla., in conjunction with Vertex Aerospace LLC.
The KC-130 series, built by Lockheed Martin, is capable of aircraft carrier landings despite its size, and is in use by the militaries of 17 countries. France received its second, a refueling plane, in February.
The aircraft is capable of detecting and tracking incoming missiles, incorporating missile warning sensors, a compact laser pointer/tracker, and a processor in a single pod that can be readily transferred between aircraft. Already installed on older KC-130 planes, the pod is attached to the underside of the plane.
