Viper™ Mid-IR Laser
Northrop Grumman's Viper™ is a small, lightweight multi-band laser for infrared countermeasures (IRCM) applications. All Viper™ components, including all wavelength conversion and beam- forming optics controller and power supply, fit in a 13-inch diameter x 2-inch high chassis, weighing less than 10 pounds. Viper™ is the lightest laser available for IRCM applications.
Viper™ is the laser of choice to protect low, medium and high signature aircraft from sophisticated heat-seeking missiles.
Proven in Flight and Live Fire Tests
The Viper™ laser has been successfully tested as part of the AN/AAQ-24(V) NEMESIS system. In all tests and demonstrations, the systems operated autonomously and had no prior knowledge of threat type or location.
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Successfully completed Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) live fire tests — including multiple missile engagements. (U.S. Air Force-sponsored tests, conducted with heat sources representing a C-17 signature, June/July 2002)
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Successfully defeated different missile types launched from various ranges that represent combat scenarios (U.S. Navy-sponsored Tactical Aircraft Directional Infrared Countermeasures (TADIRCM) live fire tests; White Sands Missile Range, September/October 1999)
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Defeated several captive missile seekers (in different bands) 52 out of 52 times. Engagements were at various operational ranges.
In Production and Available Now
The Viper™ laser was fully qualified in 2003 and is available now.