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| Northrop Grumman offices. Photo: Northrop Grumman |
[Avionics Today 11-20-2014] Northrop Grumman’s Laser Systems business unit has announced its new Viper 2.1 laser, featuring a form factor and interface for use on all Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) systems to protect military aircraft.
The Viper 2.1 has been in development and testing for five years and will soon be ready for full-scale production alongside the Viper family of DIRCM lasers, currently in full operation on approximately 55 different types of rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft, protecting the aircraft, crew and cargo in every theatre of conflict.
The new laser also benefits from an approach toward modular open system architecture for integrated avionics systems, including aircraft survivability equipment. Designed to provide laser power through either direct or fiber coupling, the system can be used in a variety of configurations of DIRCM or I-ASE suites.