Photo: Lockheed Martin via L3Harris
L3Harris Technologies has successfully conducted the first flight of its all-digital electronic warfare (EW) suite, Viper Shield, on a single-seat F-16 Block 70 jet fighter. The flight took place at Edwards Air Force Base in California, operated by the 412th Test Wing. This milestone marks a significant step in the development of the system, which is designed to enhance the EW capabilities of F-16 fleets for six international partners.
“This flight launches the latest capability enhancement for the F-16 and our warfighters. The Viper Shield system combined with a Block 70 airframe creates a leap in capability compared to the traditional Block 50 Viper I grew up flying,” said Maj. Anthony Pipe, F-16 Experimental Test Pilot, U.S. Air Force. “The EW advancements this system brings will ensure pilots flying these aircraft continue to make it home.”
The flight included risk-reduction tests focused on the compatibility of the mission computer and other avionics subsystems, as well as its interoperability with the APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) fire control radar.
“Our building block approach to test hardware and software in labs, demonstrate functionality in dense radio frequency environments and validate the EW system on the ground prepared us for Viper Shield’s successful first flight,” said Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris. “With this milestone, we are ready to continue flight testing and deliver systems in late 2025 as Viper Shield is the only advanced EW solution that is funded and in active production for international F-16 partners.”
The company's Viper Shield is described as a low-risk, low-cost EW system designed to counter modern radar threats by providing immediate detection and advanced jamming responses. It is noted for its ability to integrate with all F-16 Blocks with minimal modifications to the aircraft. Additionally, the system is fully compatible with both the current Mission Modular Computer and the Next Generation Mission Computer.
L3Harris is the only provider offering an advanced EW solution that is currently funded and in active production for international F-16 partners.
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