Air National Guard technicians are installing a prototype missile counter-measure system on KC-135 Stratotanker at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., aimed at providing an improved layer of safety for the aircraft. The large aircraft infrared countermeasure (LAIRCM) system would provide aerial tankers with greater protection against portable surface-to-air missiles. The new equipment is designed to be portable, enabling maintenance crews to move it easily from one aircraft to another. When operational, it scans continuously for potential threats. The Air Guard expects to conclude testing sometime this summer. The Navy is testing similar equipment on its C-40 Clipper cargo planes.
