Simulation testing has been conducted on the Viper AN/ALQ-257 electronic warfare system (IVEWS), utilizing a U.S. Air Force emulator.
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The IVEWS, designed for integration into F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters upgraded to Block 70/72 (Viper) configuration, has commenced final testing at Edwards Air Force Base. Northrop Grumman reported that the electronic warfare system surpassed performance benchmarks during the testing phase.
According to the U.S. defense contractor, the Viper AN/ALQ-257 (IVEWS) will enhance the F-16V aircraft’s ability to effectively counter advanced threats, including defeating new enemy sensors and weapons. It achieves this through the implementation of an open systems architecture with high throughput.
The testing was carried out at the U.S. Air Force Laboratory, utilizing the emulator to create a realistic environment for evaluating electronic warfare technology.
This marked the first test conducted for the Viper AN/ALQ-257 (IVEWS) in this setting. Northrop Grumman initiated work on the project in 2019 and, in 2021, successfully demonstrated the interoperability between the Viper AN/ALQ-257 (IVEWS) and the AN/APG-83 SABR radars.