MELBOURNE, Fla., July 10, 2024 — L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) has completed testing on its latest Viper Shield Electronic Warfare (EW) system, which enhances protection for F-16 pilots, at the U.S. Air Force’s Integrated Defensive Avionics Laboratory.
The hardware and software testing, known as Drop 4, was on the AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield suite, which identified and displayed threats of interest and sorted through them in challenging backgrounds to provide precise situational awareness.
“Viper Shield demonstrated radar warning receiver functionality in dense background radio frequency environments, and successfully detected, identified, sorted and cued multiple threats,” said Air Force Col. Michael Rigoni, EW Program Manager, F-16 System Program Office, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The colonel attended the test and added that “completion of Drop 4 testing provides program risk reduction and marks an important level of system maturity.”
The Viper Shield Drop 4 capability uses production representative hardware and integrates fully with all F-16 systems. Drop 4 also ensures that the pilot has enhanced protection against threats through improved pilot-vehicle interface with the Countermeasures Dispensing System, which can release chaff and flares from the aircraft.
“Viper Shield is a virtual electronic armor that will improve the ability of F-16 fighter pilots to detect threats earlier so they can defend themselves and utilize that data to increase their survivability,” said Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris. “We will continue to refine and advance this system for warfighters globally.”
L3Harris designed Viper Shield as the baseline EW system for the global F-16 Block 70/72 fleet and can enhance both offensive and defensive capabilities. The system has proven its performance with other important milestones, including seamless integration with the onboard APG-83 AESA radar. L3Harris can also install Viper Shield onto legacy F-16 configurations inside the aircraft or in fully integrated pod configurations utilizing the existing Line Replaceable Units mounted externally.
About L3Harris Technologies
L3Harris Technologies is the Trusted Disruptor in the defense industry. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security. Visit L3Harris.com for more information.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management's current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Such statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements about system capabilities are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties. L3Harris disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
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