BAE Systems to evaluate missile defence system on US passenger aircraft

New Delhi: BAE Systems has received a $29 million award from the US Department of Homeland Security, for the testing of 'JETEYE', its infrared aircraft missile defence system, on passenger aircraft.

The tests will evaluate the system's compatibility with daily passenger airline operations and maintenance. The latest contract is for the third phase of research and development on the Department of Homeland Security's counter-man-portable air-defence system (MANPADS) program.

There will be no testing of the 'JETEYE' system's missile-defeating capability, as that testing was done at government test ranges as part of an earlier phase of the program.

As part of the counter-MANPADS program, BAE Systems will install its 'JETEYE' aircraft missile defence system on up to three American Airlines aircraft.

Burt Keirstead, director of commercial aircraft programs for BAE Systems said, ''From the beginning, we actively engaged with US cargo and passenger carriers to commercialise our technology to meet the needs of the airlines. We're confident that the passenger-aircraft phase of the program will provide valuable data for Department of Homeland Security's findings, providing critical, fact-based information to the airline industry and policy-makers.''

The 'JETEYE' system is based on BAE Systems' existing direct-able infrared countermeasures technology, used to protect military aircraft. With this award, 'JETEYE' will be the only system installed on military cargo and passenger aircraft.