DHS Awards $7.4 Million in Combined Contracts to Three Firms to Support Emerging Counter-MANPADS Technologies

Release Date: October 20, 2006

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: (202) 282-8010

The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) directorate announced today the selection of three firms to receive $7.4 million in combined contract awards to support efforts to counter the threat posed to commercial aircraft by shoulder-fired, anti-aircraft missiles, known as Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS).

L-3 Communications AVISYS Corporation, Austin, Texas ($1.4 M); Northrop Grumman Space Technology, Redondo Beach, Calif. ($1.9 M); and Raytheon Company, Tucson, Ariz. ($4.1 M) will evaluate and demonstrate emerging counter-MANPADS technology solutions that show the most promise in defeating this threat.

In 2003, Congress directed DHS to develop anti-missile technology already in use in the military for application on commercial aircraft. That program, which relies on infrared technology onboard aircraft, is now in an operational testing phase. In 2006, Congress further directed DHS to explore emerging countermeasure technologies, including those that are ground-based, airborne, or a combination of the two.

Over the next 18 months, DHS will work closely with the Department of Defense and these select vendors to assess the maturity and effectiveness of relevant technologies, application of resources to determine potential system approaches, and suitability in the civilian aviation environment.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology directorate serves as the primary research and development arm of the department, utilizing our Nation’s scientific and technological resources to provide federal, state, and local officials with the technology and capabilities to protect the homeland.

###

This page was last reviewed/modified on October 20, 2006.