L3Harris Technologies has announced the completion of rigorous testing for its Viper Shield Electronic Warfare (EW) system, designed to enhance the protection of F-16 pilots, according to a press release.
The tests took place at the U.S. Air Force’s Integrated Defensive Avionics Laboratory and involved both hardware and software evaluations, referred to as Drop 4.
The company claims that the Drop 4 tests on the AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield suite demonstrated the system’s ability to identify and display threats in challenging environments, providing precise situational awareness.
U.S. Air Force Colonel Michael Rigoni, EW Programme Manager for the F-16 System Programme Office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, attended the test and was quoted in the press release saying, “Viper Shield demonstrated radar warning receiver functionality in dense background radio frequency environments, and successfully detected, identified, sorted and cued multiple threats.”
He added that the completion of Drop 4 testing marks a significant milestone in system maturity and programme risk reduction.
L3Harris claims the Viper Shield Drop 4 capability integrates fully with all F-16 systems, ensuring enhanced protection for pilots. The system reportedly improves the pilot-vehicle interface with the Countermeasures Dispensing System, allowing the release of chaff and flares from the aircraft.
According to the press release, Ed Zoiss, President of Space and Airborne Systems at L3Harris, stated, “Viper Shield is a virtual electronic armour that will improve the ability of F-16 fighter pilots to detect threats earlier so they can defend themselves and utilise that data to increase their survivability. We will continue to refine and advance this system for warfighters globally.”
The company designed Viper Shield as the baseline EW system for the global F-16 Block 70/72 fleet, claiming it enhances both offensive and defensive capabilities.
The press release notes that the system has proven its performance through various milestones, including seamless integration with the onboard APG-83 AESA radar. Additionally, L3Harris say they can install Viper Shield onto legacy F-16 configurations either inside the aircraft or in fully integrated pod configurations using existing Line Replaceable Units mounted externally.
“Additionally, L3Harris say they can install Viper Shield onto legacy F-16 configurations either inside the aircraft or in fully integrated pod configurations using existing Line Replaceable Units mounted externally.”
I wonder if that isn’t the critical paragraph about why this was done!