Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures (ATIRCM)/Common Missile Warning System (CMWS)

MISSION
Detect, track, and defeat incoming missiles using airborne countermeasure
self-protection system.


DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS
The AN/ALQ-212 Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures
(ATIRCM) is a modular system consisting of the AN/AAR-57
Common Missile Warning System (CMWS), infrared jam head,
improved countermeasure dispenser, and improved countermeasure
munitions. As a modular system, the ATIRCM can be
installed in various configurations: with the CMWS only, to
provide missile warning; with the CMWS and the improved
countermeasures dispenser; and with the laser and flash-lamp
jam head to create a complete system. ATIRCM provides automatic,
passive missile detection; threat-type declaration; crew
warning; false alarm suppression; and cues to other on-board
systems such as dispensers for countermeasure decoys. On the
Army version only, the ATIRCM/CMWS adds active, directional
countermeasures via a laser and an arc lamp.


FOREIGN COUNTERPART
No known foreign counterpart


FOREIGN MILITARY SALES
None.


PROGRAM STATUS
Current The ATIRCM is a joint acquisition category integration
category program. ATIRCM is undergoing contractor
qualification and flight testing as part of the engineering and
manufacturing development phase.


PROJECTED ACTIVITIES
2QFY02 Initiate low-rate production.
2QFY03 Milestone III decision scheduled.
1QFY04 First unit equipped.
PRIME CONTRACTORS
Lockheed Martin (Nashua, NH