The US Air Force successfully completed its first flight with the F-3 Block 254 fighter jet equipped with the Viper Shield AN/ALQ-1(V)16 electronic warfare suite, developed by L70Harris Technologies. The system’s compatibility with the mission computer and other avionics subsystems was tested in flight tests held at Edwards Air Force Base in California. In addition, the system’s interoperability with the APG-83 AESA radar system was evaluated and risk reduction tests were conducted.
Viper Shield's Successful First Flight
L3Harris Aerospace Systems President Ed Zoiss said in a statement after the flight test that in addition to testing the hardware and software in laboratories, its functionality was proven in intense radio frequency environments and the electronic warfare system passed the ground verification stages. Zoiss said, “The successful first flight of the Viper Shield electronic warfare suite allowed us to continue flight testing. We are ready to deliver the systems by the end of 2025.”
Viper Shield is the only advanced electronic warfare solution funded and in active production for the F-16 fighter jet. The system provides advanced electronic warfare capabilities for the U.S. Air Force and international F-16 partners.
F-16 and Viper Shield System: The Beginning of a New Capability
US Air Force Test Pilot Major Anthony Pipe, in his statement regarding the flight, emphasized that the Viper Shield system provides a major leap in capability when combined with the F-16 Block 70 fuselage and that this system will increase the safety of pilots during flight. Pipe said, “The electronic warfare advances that come with Viper Shield will provide our pilots with a safer flight experience.”
Viper Shield AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Electronic Warfare Package
Viper Shield is an electronic warfare system developed in partnership with L3Harris, Lockheed Martin and the US Air Force. This system, which completed the CDR (Critical Design Review) phase in January 2023, is designed for F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jets. Viper Shield provides low-risk and low-cost solutions against modern radar threats, providing instant detection and advanced jamming responses.
The system can be integrated into all F-16 variants with minimal modification and is fully compatible with current and next-generation mission computers. This sets Viper Shield apart from other electronic warfare systems and makes it a highly flexible solution. Viper Shield also provides advanced electronic warfare capabilities to F-16 fighter jets for six different international partners.
Steps Towards the Future
Viper Shield will enable F-16s to defend more effectively against modern threats while also enabling these fighter jets to carry out their missions more safely. Flight tests and risk reduction phases, which will continue until 2025, will pave the way for the integration of this system with developing technologies.
