Northrop Receives $77 Million for Helicopter Infrared Countermeasures

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Rolling Meadows, Illinois, is being awarded an undefinitized contract action with an estimated value of $77 million  for the procurement of 121 AN/AAQ-24(V) 25 Guardian laser transmitter assemblies for installation on CH-53D, CH-53E, and CH-46E helicopters, including associated technical data.  The guardian laser transmitter assembly, a component of the large aircraft infrared countermeasures, is a next-generation directable laser-based countermeasures system for protecting helicopters and some fixed-wing aircraft from man-portable air defense systems.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.