The Air Force conducted its first flight with L3Harris’ Viper Shield this week, bringing advanced anti-electronic warfare technology to F-16 fighter jets.
The flight, conducted with an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Edwards Air Force Base in California, included a risk-reduction test and a test of the APG-83 active electronically scanned array fire control radar. Experts say the addition of Viper Shield technology will improve flight safety.
“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, an F-16 experimental test pilot. “The EW advancements this system brings will ensure pilots flying these aircraft continue to make it home.”
According to L3Harris, the Viper Shield is a counter-radar system that provides “immediate detection and advanced jamming responses to disrupt the adversary’s kill chain.” Unlike other EW systems, it will be able to integrate into F-16 blocks without costly modifications.
“Viper Shield is designed with fewer critical components than previous generation EW systems. This not only results in a smaller form factor and reduced weight, but also a higher mean time between failure and lower lifecycle costs,” L3Harris said in a statement. “The modular design supports swapping line replaceable units (LRUs) in the field. The design is also forward-looking by provisioning for future growth and enhancements.”
In theory, the Viper Shield should provide a “virtual electronic shield” around the aircraft. Additionally, Viper Shield’s EW capabilities can link with the aircraft’s mission modular computer or any next-generation computer adapted to the F-16.
“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,” said Ed Zoiss, president of L3Harris Space and Airborne Systems.
• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.