
The Army last Friday evening said it has awarded Northrop Grumman [NOC] a $959.1 million contract to begin full-rate production of the Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM), a laser-based system to protect aircraft from man-portable air defense systems. Under the five-year contract, Northrop Grumman will initially supply CIRCM systems for the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. The company previously delivered 150 units for a quick reaction capability and for the successful six-month initial operational test and evaluation activity combined. Under the full-rate…