In 2021, Lockheed Martin and the US Air Force selected L3Harris Technologies as the executor of the contract to develop the Viper Shield EW system for the F-16 Block 70/72 fighter. This week, the contractor reported that the EW system had passed a critical analysis.
Viper Shield is designed to provide a fighter with a virtual electronic shield. A multi-frequency digital jamming system will improve the protection of military aircraft. The EW system was originally developed by L3Harris engineers for the Block 70/72 modification, which is supplied for export.
The F-16 Viper Shield system is designed to detect radar threats and provide digital countermeasures. An advanced digital radar receiver is integrated with the APG-83 radar, which has an active electronic scanning function.
F-16 fighter Previously, L3Harris received an order to strengthen the combat capabilities of F-16 fighters, which are in service with Morocco, Jordan and Bahrain. According to the agreements, the company from the USA undertook the integration of weapon launch systems into the F-16. Additional ammunition can be hung on the fighter using the BRU-57/A beam holder.