16:30 GMT, March 8, 2010 Edinburgh, | SELEX Galileo, a Finmeccanica Company, has won the competition to supply its next generation ECLIPSE Pointer-Tracker and Type 160 Infrared Counter Measure (IRCM) laser as part of the Common Defensive Aid Suite (CDAS) Technology Demonstrator Programme (TDP). The TDP aims to define the architecture for advanced defensive aid systems and forms a critical component of the UK MoD’s aircraft protection strategy.

The ECLIPSE Pointer-Tracker and Type 160 IRCM laser combine to provide the critical element of an advanced Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) System which is used to protect platforms from IR guided Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) missiles.

This strategic win follows significant investment into key enabling technologies and product design. The Company now has more than 20 years of experience in the development, manufacture and support of more than 1200 combat proven Pointer-Trackers, delivered to

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) for the AN/AAQ-24(V) DIRCM system. Accelerated development programmes culminated in the manufacture of a number of demonstrator and pre-production units used in helicopter flight trials in the UK, and live fire testing in collaboration with SELEX Galileo’s strategic partner, Northrop Grumman, in the United States.

The ECLIPSE Pointer-Tracker and Type 160 IRCM laser provide mature, low-risk, lightweight and cost effective Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) solutions to protect both rotary and fixed wing transport fleets.

The ECLIPSE Pointer-Tracker, with an associated multi-band IRCM laser, was developed to meet US and UK requirements for a lightweight low-cost DIRCM Jam Head. The design capitalises on our existing DIRCM pedigree, formulated through the development and production of more than 1200 combat proven transmitters for Northrop Grumman’s AN/AAQ-24(V) NEMESIS system, which has been in operational use and in full rate production since the late 1990’s.

Recently SELEX Galileo has been awarded a 4 year contract to lead the CDAS TDP. For further information, please read the press release: http://www.selexgalileo.com/EN/Common/files/SELEX_Galileo/Press_Releases/10_02_03_CDAS_TDP_Contract_Award_FINAL.pdf