A new laser for use on all directed infrared counter-measure systems on military aircraft has been introduced by Northrop Grumman's Laser Systems business unit.

The new Viper 2.1, part of the company's Viper family of lasers, is the result of five years of development and testing, the company said.

The laser features increased power and efficiency, simplified optical path alignment, reduced weight, and reliability enhancements. It can be used in a variety of configurations of DIRCM system suites.

"The value of performance of our DIRCM systems stem from our intentional design approach toward a modular open systems architecture," Jeffrey Q. Palombo, vice president and general manager, Land and Self Protection Systems Division, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems. "Viper 2.1 can be used in forward-fit or back-fit applications, simultaneously enabling increased survivability, reliability and cost savings."

DIRCM systems protect aircraft from heat-seeking missiles. Earlier variants of the company's Viper are installed on some 55 different types of military helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

Viper 2.1 will soon be ready for full production, Northrop Grumman said.