BAE Systems to integrate electronic countermeasures on KC-130J

BAE Systems has secured a prime position on a task order for the modification and installation of electronic countermeasures aboard the KC-130J aircraft.

The company won the contract from the US Navy’s Naval Air Warfare Center (NAVAIR) Aircraft Division’s (NAWCAD) Aircraft Prototyping Systems Division.

Under the $26.7m task order, the company will install, integrate and test the US Department of the Navy (DoN) Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) system on the KC-130J aerial transport and refuelling aircraft.

BAE Systems will perform work under the five-year task order in Crestview, Florida, in partnership with Vertex Aerospace Aircraft Integration & Sustainment (AIS) Division.

Countering advanced infrared missile system threats, the DoN LAIRCM advanced missile warning system will improve the aircraft’s survivability.

BAE Systems Air Force Solutions vice-president and general manager Pete Trainer said: “We understand how vital the KC-130J is to the US Navy and US Marine Corps and the enhanced capability the DoN LAIRCM system brings to the fight.”

The company’s solution provides programme management, inventory control, engineering support, installation, and system testing of the DoN LAIRCM upgrade.

It will also provide aircraft maintenance and support activities.

US Naval Air Systems Command PMA-207 programme manager Captain Steven Nassau said: “The programme office looks forward to working with BAE Systems on the DoN LAIRCM installations.

“This competitive award will allow the Marine Corps to move from government depot installation to industry without a gap in services.”

Under the Prototyping and Limited Production indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, this is the second task order awarded to BAE Systems.