New Delhi: BAE Systems has received a $29 million award from the US Department of Homeland Security, for the testing of 'JETEYE', its infrared aircraft missile defence system, on passenger aircraft.

The tests will evaluate the system's compatibility with daily passenger airline operations and maintenance. The latest contract is for the third phase of research and development on the Department of Homeland Security's counter-man-portable air-defence system (MANPADS) program.

There will be no testing of the 'JETEYE' system's missile-defeating capability, as that testing was done at government test ranges as part of an earlier phase of the program.

As part of the counter-MANPADS program, BAE Systems will install its 'JETEYE' aircraft missile defence system on up to three American Airlines aircraft.

Burt Keirstead, director of commercial aircraft programs for BAE Systems said, ''From the beginning, we actively engaged with US cargo and passenger carriers to commercialise our technology to meet the needs of the airlines. We're confident that the passenger-aircraft phase of the program will provide valuable data for Department of Homeland Security's findings, providing critical, fact-based information to the airline industry and policy-makers.''

The 'JETEYE' system is based on BAE Systems' existing direct-able infrared countermeasures technology, used to protect military aircraft. With this award, 'JETEYE' will be the only system installed on military cargo and passenger aircraft. 

Craig Barton, American Airlines managing director said, ''American Airlines is pleased to continue its partnership with BAE Systems and is fully committed to supporting and participating in the passenger airline evaluation phase of the Department of Homeland Security's counter-MANPADS program. We believe this is a key step toward understanding the true impact of the technology and operational models on the airline industry.''   

The Department of Homeland Security selected BAE Systems in 2004 to adapt the company's military countermeasures technology to protect commercial aircraft against shoulder-fired missiles. Since then, BAE Systems has received $105 million in funding, and has delivered more than 14,000 infrared countermeasure systems worldwide - more than all other participating companies combined.

The counter-MANPADS program, created by the Department of Homeland Security and Congress, is designed to commercialise proven military technology and gauge its suitability for protecting US commercial aircraft by evaluating its performance, impact on aerodynamic drag, weight, reliability, maintainability, and system cost.