L3Harris Viper Shield Electronic Warfare System Awarded Long-Lead Material Contract to Accelerate Global Production

Rhea-AI Summary

L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) has received an undefinitized contract from Lockheed Martin to procure long-lead materials for the Viper Shield electronic warfare system. This initiative aims to accelerate global product delivery and minimize procurement risks. Viper Shield is designed to enhance the protection of F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft, ensuring mission safety in complex environments. The program remains on schedule, with successful critical design reviews and tests expected to continue later this year.

Positive

• Contract received from Lockheed Martin for long-lead materials.
• Accelerates global delivery of Viper Shield system.
• Enhances protection for F-16 aircraft, improving mission safety.
• Program on schedule with successful design review milestones.

Negative

• None.

 Highlights:

• Ensures rapid delivery of Viper Shield systems to partner nations
• Minimizes procurement risks and protects planned production deliveries
• Will improve aircraft protection to safely complete missions

MELBOURNE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) today announced receiving an undefinitized contract from Lockheed Martin to procure long-lead material for the Viper Shield electronic warfare system to accelerate global product delivery.

The AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield supports the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft production for the global F-16 fleet and was designed as the baseline EW system for the aircraft. This contract, in conjunction with a future full-rate contract award for Viper Shield ship sets, will enable planned production EW capability deliveries for customers worldwide.

“Viper Shield protects next-generation F-16 fighters from previously unimaginable threats by providing a radio frequency shield, a warning receiver and jamming system, around the aircraft,” said Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris. “This contract puts us one step closer to equipping our global customers with the most advanced EW system to safely complete missions in increasingly complex battlespace scenarios.”

In late 2022, Viper Shield successfully completed the critical design review milestone with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force. Viper Shield also demonstrated interoperability with the new APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar during testing at the Lockheed Martin Systems Integration Lab.

The Viper Shield program remains on schedule and slated for installation on the next-generation F-16 aircraft for multiple international air defense forces. Viper Shield will return to the Lockheed Martin Systems Integration Lab later this year with newly integrated hardware and software to test the next planned increment of capabilities with the F-16 Block 70/72 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 system capabilities and anticipated contract awards 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/20230306005517/en/

Matt Grimison

Space and Airborne Systems

Matt.Grimison@L3Harris.com

321-213-8927

Paul Swiergosz

Corporate

Paul.Swiergosz@L3Harris.com

321-378-5631

Source: L3Harris Technologies

FAQ

What is the significance of the LHX contract with Lockheed Martin?

The contract will procure long-lead materials for the Viper Shield electronic warfare system, enhancing protection for F-16 aircraft.

How will the Viper Shield system benefit F-16 aircraft?

Viper Shield improves aircraft protection against emerging threats, allowing safer mission completion.

What is the timeline for the Viper Shield program?

The program is on schedule, with plans for continued testing later this year.

What does the Viper Shield system include?

The system features a radio frequency shield, warning receiver, and jamming capabilities.

What are LHX's future contract expectations for Viper Shield?

Future contracts are expected to support production capabilities for global customers.