L3Harris Viper Shield Electronic Warfare System Achieves Critical Design Review Milestone

Rhea-AI Summary

L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) announced the successful completion of a critical design review (CDR) for its Viper Shield electronic warfare system, enhancing the capabilities of the F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft. This system provides a virtual electronic shield, improving defense through advanced jamming technology. The milestone was achieved with the participation of Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force. Notably, L3Harris has developed the Viper Shield without relying on U.S. government funding, utilizing internal research and international collaborations instead. The system is set to undergo further integration testing in the second quarter of 2023.

Positive

• Successfully completed critical design review for the Viper Shield electronic warfare system.
• Improvements in offensive and defensive electronic warfare capabilities for the F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft.
• Viper Shield is the only global electronic warfare system for F-16s to reach this milestone.
• Development achieved without U.S. government funding, leveraging internal resources.

Negative

• None.

Highlights:

• Improves offensive and defensive electronic warfare capabilities
• Custom-designed baseline for advanced F-16 Block 70/72 Foreign Military Sales aircraft
• Only global electronic warfare system for the jet to successfully achieve critical design review milestone

MELBOURNE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) announced today achieving a critical design review (CDR) milestone for the Viper Shield electronic warfare (EW) system, which will provide improved offensive and defensive EW capabilities for F-16 Block 70/72 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) aircraft.

Viper Shield's all-digital electronic warfare suite, custom designed for the Lockheed Martin advanced F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft, provides a virtual electronic shield around the aircraft, enabling warfighters to complete missions safely in increasingly complex battlespace scenarios. (Credit: L3Harris)

The AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield successfully completed a CDR milestone with partner Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force observing. Designed as the baseline EW system on the new F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft, the system will provide a virtual electronic shield that improves aircraft protection through a multiple digital radio frequency, memory-based jamming system.

“Viper Shield is the highest-performance, lowest-risk EW option for F-16 Vipers in an increasingly dangerous world,” said Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris. “As the only EW system for these aircraft to successfully achieve this CDR milestone, we are one step closer to helping our global customers detect and defeat modern advanced threats.”

In late 2022, Viper Shield successfully demonstrated interoperability with the new APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar during testing at the Lockheed Martin Systems Integration Lab. Fully integrated and internally mounted, it features an open-systems architecture using commercial-off-the-shelf technology for easier future upgrades and lower lifecycle costs.

L3Harris removed the need for U.S. government funding to develop the Viper Shield EW system for the F-16 Block 70/72 FMS aircraft by leveraging internal research and development investments and international commitments.

With the approach of the next critical milestone in the second quarter of 2023, Viper Shield will return to the Lockheed Martin Systems Integration Lab with newly integrated hardware and software to demonstrate full integration of the next planned increment of capabilities with the F-16 Block 70/72 FMS aircraft.

About L3Harris Technologies

L3Harris Technologies is a Trusted Disruptor for the global aerospace and defense industry. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our 46,000 employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management's current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Such statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements about technology capabilities and future milestones are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties. L3Harris disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230130005524/en/

Christina Hoggatt

Space and Airborne Systems

Christina.Hoggatt@L3Harris.com

719-217-4490



Paul Swiergosz

L3Harris Corporate

Paul.Swiergosz@L3Harris.com

321-378-5631

Source: L3Harris Technologies

FAQ

What is the Viper Shield electronic warfare system by L3Harris (LHX)?

The Viper Shield is an electronic warfare system designed for the F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft, providing enhanced offensive and defensive capabilities.

When did L3Harris achieve the critical design review for Viper Shield?

L3Harris announced the successful completion of the critical design review for Viper Shield on January 30, 2023.

How does Viper Shield enhance F-16 aircraft capabilities?

Viper Shield improves aircraft protection through advanced jamming technology, creating a virtual electronic shield.

Is government funding required for the Viper Shield development?

No, L3Harris developed the Viper Shield using internal research and international partnerships, without U.S. government funding.

What is the next milestone for Viper Shield after the critical design review?

The next milestone is set for the second quarter of 2023, focusing on the integration of new hardware and capabilities.