18 Jun 2007 | Ref. 186/2007
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BAE Systems engineer examines an elemement of the JETEYE
Nashua, New Hampshire, United States. — BAE Systems has received SAFETY Act designation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for its JETEYE™ aircraft missile defense system. The system was developed to protect commercial airliners against infrared-guided missiles.
The SAFETY (Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies) Act encourages the development and rapid deployment of anti-terrorism technologies by giving sellers of qualified technologies liability protection from lawsuits.
During the 18-month Phase III program, JETEYE will continue flying on the world’s largest airline, American Airlines, and also will fly on an ABX Air cargo aircraft. The continuing development aims to reduce the potential cost to the airline industry by streamlining system installation, reducing aerodynamic drag, and improving reliability and maintainability.
“This designation is an important milestone for the program and our teammates at American Airlines and ABX Air,” said Steve duMont, BAE Systems’ business development director for infrared countermeasures. “Our goal is to provide the best protection capability for our nation’s airline industry.”
BAE Systems is in Phase III of the DHS Counter-MANPADS program. The JETEYE system is based on the company’s existing directable infrared countermeasure system to protect military aircraft.
BAE Systems has delivered more than 14,000 infrared countermeasure systems worldwide — more than all other companies combined. In 2004, DHS selected the company to adapt proven military technology to protect commercial aircraft against shoulder-fired missiles.
BAE Systems has received SAFETY Act designation for several other technologies designed to mitigate terrorist acts, including the recent SAFETY Act designation for its First InterComm™ first-responder interoperable communications system.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is a global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 88,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £13.7 billion pounds sterling (US25.4 billion dollars) in 2006.
For more information please contact:
John Neilson, BAE Systems
Tel: + 44 (0) 1252 384795 Mob: + 44 (0)7802 337704
john.neilson@baesystems.com
Marianne Murphy, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 603-885-2812 Mobile: +1 603-315-1536
marianne.murphy@baesystems.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384710 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
www.baesystems.com
