Northrop Grumman to Test Civil Aircraft Missile Defense System

Northrop Grumman says it will flight test its commercial aircraft missile protection system on a B-747 and MD-11 this year.

The system, called Guardian, uses military directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) technology to protect commercial aircraft from attack by ground-based, shoulder-fired missiles that are often called MANPADS (man-portable air defense systems).  Northrop Grumman recently completed the design and fabrication of the first system, under a contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which will now be tested as part of the FAA's certification process.

The company estimates its Guardian system, which is based on combat-proven, laser-based technology currently in production for the U.S. military and international customers, ultimately will cost approximately half the amount published in recent reports.

Federal Express and Northwest Airlines, who are part of Northrop's team, will provide engineering services for the system's installation, aircraft modification and certification.  01-28-2005.