Northrop Grumman has effectively tested a novel electronic warfare apparatus for the F-16 combat aircraft. The corporation announced that the enhancements, known as the AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite or IVEWS, outperformed the standards established in the emulation.
The innovative electronic warfare equipment enables F-16 fighters to counteract threats utilizing contemporary radio frequencies. The corporation stated that IVEWS possesses more effective broadband power amplifiers and responsive countermeasures, allowing the aircraft to react quicker, span extended frequencies, and identify threats from all orientations.
IVEWS employs modular, open system design principles, the company further mentioned. “This successful evaluation under very challenging conditions is a significant step on the path to deploying the suite,” Northrop Grumman declared. Tests for the F-16 fighter’s EW system show success. Throughout the test, simulated air defense radar pulses were directly inputted into IVEWS to confirm the suite’s capacity to recognize and counter sophisticated threats.
The tests, which are now finalized, were conducted in a proven emulator that permits electronic warfare technology to be tested under realistic conditions, Northrop stated.
It’s worth noting that L3Harris Technologies is also making progress in development for the F-16 Block 70/72 Viper Shield electronic warfare system.