Electronic-warfare (EW) technology provides tools for F-16 fighter jets and other vehicles to warn of unseen and oncoming threats such as armed missiles. To pack as much EW performance into the smallest package possible, L3Harris Technologies has gone to full production of its all-digital Viper Shield EW suite of systems for F-16 fighter jets (see figure), supplying them to F-16 fleets in six allied countries. The company is also in discussions with other U.S. allies and partner nations to supply Viper Shield systems for their F-16 fleets.
Regarding the compact but effective EW suite, Ed Zoiss, president for Space and Airborne Systems of L3Harris, said: “Equipping aircrews and commanders with situational awareness about the electronic landscape gives them the ability to identify, locate and counter threats at the speed of relevance.” He added: “We are proud of the Viper Shield technology our engineers developed and the fact that it serves as the only advanced electronic warfare solution that is funded and in active production for international F-16 partners. The system’s small 3U form factor enables installation in multiple F-16 block configurations.” The Viper Shield system is modular in design and can be readily upgraded to guard against future threats.
