BAE Systems awarded contract for missile defense system on passenger aircraft

January 8, 2008, Nashua, NH--BAE Systems received a $29 million award from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to test an infrared aircraft missile defense system on passenger aircraft. The tests will evaluate the system's compatibility with daily passenger airline operations and maintenance.

As part of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) counter-man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) program, BAE Systems will install its JETEYE aircraft missile defense system on up to three American Airlines aircraft. "From the beginning, we actively engaged with U.S. cargo and passenger carriers to commercialize our technology to meet the needs of the airlines," said Burt Keirstead, director of commercial aircraft programs for BAE Systems. "We're confident that the passenger-aircraft phase of the program will provide valuable data for DHS's findings, providing critical, fact-based information to the airline industry and policy-makers."

The JETEYE system is based on BAE Systems' existing directable infrared countermeasures technology, used to protect military aircraft. With this award, JETEYE will be the only system installed on both cargo and passenger aircraft.

"American Airlines is pleased to continue its partnership with BAE Systems and is fully committed to supporting and participating in the passenger airline evaluation phase of the DHS's counter-MANPADS program," said Craig Barton, American Airlines managing director. "We believe this is a key step toward understanding the true impact of the technology and operational models on the airline industry."

For more information, visit www.baesystems.com.