Category Archives: All News

FAA Turmoil: A Recipe for Avionics Uncertainty

Global Avionics Round-Up from Aircraft Value News (AVN)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is in turmoil, with deleterious effects that will extend to the avionics industry.

For starters, the FAA is facing its first major aviation disaster in 16 years without a confirmed leader, following the departure of Michael Whitaker.

Chris Rocheleau, appointed by President Trump, currently serves as the acting head of the FAA. He will oversee the FAA until a nominee for the position is selected and confirmed by the Senate.

Whitaker resigned as FAA administrator on January 20, the day of Donald Trump’s inauguration, after tensions with Elon Musk, whose company SpaceX falls under the agency’s oversight. Musk had publicly called for Whitaker’s resignation after the FAA penalized SpaceX for making unauthorized launch modifications.

Now, the agency’s leadership void is under intense scrutiny after an Army helicopter collided in midair on January 29 with an American Airlines jet in Washington, DC, resulting in a tragic loss of life.

In a late-night email sent Friday, February 14, the Trump administration fired hundreds of FAA employees.

Alex Spero, head of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) union, called the firings “shameful” and said they “will increase the workload and place new responsibilities on a workforce that is already stretched thin.”

The FAA has faced significant challenges in recent years, and under a second Trump administration, its future is shaping up to be even more turbulent. From leadership shake-ups to regulatory uncertainty, instability at the FAA is likely to have major ramifications for avionics development, demand, and procurement.

Uncertain Standards Could Stifle Innovation

The FAA plays a crucial role in setting avionics certification standards. If the agency experiences political interference or leadership disruptions, the approval process for new avionics technologies could become unpredictable.

Under Trump’s previous administration, deregulation was a priority, but this sometimes led to safety concerns—most notably in the wake of the Boeing 737 MAX crisis. If a second Trump presidency weakens FAA oversight in favor of rapid approvals, it could create risks for avionics developers, airlines, and passengers alike.

Airlines May Delay Upgrades Amid Regulatory Chaos

Airlines rely on clear regulatory frameworks when investing in new avionics systems. If the FAA experiences instability, carriers may delay upgrading cockpit technology or adopting new avionics enhancements due to uncertainty about future requirements.

International regulators like the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) might grow wary of FAA decisions. If EASA imposes its own stricter standards, avionics manufacturers could face conflicting regulatory demands, complicating development and sales strategies.

Pentagon and Airlines Could Seek Alternatives

A weaker or inconsistent FAA could push the Pentagon and commercial airlines to look for alternative regulatory benchmarks. If the FAA loses credibility, international avionics suppliers may start favoring EASA certification, giving European firms an edge over American competitors.

If deregulation leads to safety concerns, insurance premiums for airlines could rise, making avionics upgrades even more expensive. This could further dampen demand and delay the adoption of next-generation systems.

In short, a turbulent FAA under Trump could introduce regulatory uncertainty, slow avionics innovation, and push airlines and defense buyers to look elsewhere for stability. The long-term impact could be a less competitive U.S. avionics industry.

This article also appears in our partner publication Aircraft Value News.

John Persinos is the editor-in-chief of Aircraft Value News. 

The post FAA Turmoil: A Recipe for Avionics Uncertainty appeared first on Avionics International.

—————
Boost Internet Speed–
Free Business Hosting–
Free Email Account–
Dropcatch–
Free Secure Email–
Secure Email–
Cheap VOIP Calls–
Free Hosting–
Boost Inflight Wifi–
Premium Domains–
Free Domains

Trump’s Tariff Gambit: New Pressures on Avionics Innovation and Procurement

Global Avionics Round-Up from Aircraft Value News (AVN)

President Donald Trump has once again floated the threat of aggressive tariffs, this time targeting industries critical to U.S. manufacturing, including aerospace. Predominant countries in the crosshairs: Canada, Mexico and China.

The stakes are high. The top three purchasers of U.S. goods exports in 2022 were (in order of amount) Canada ($356.5 billion), Mexico ($324.3 billion), and China ($150.4 billion).

While the intent behind tariffs is to protect domestic industries, historically they’ve always resulted in higher costs for companies and consumers and have negatively affected overall economies. Most economists consider the tariffs imposed during Trump’s first term to have been a failure that roiled international relations and made goods more expensive.

While protectionist policies might appeal to Trump’s political base, they pose a significant risk to the avionics sector, particularly in development, demand, and procurement.

Richard Aboulafia, managing director at AeroDynamic Advisory, made the following comments in a recent interview with Aircraft Value News:

“A trade war would hurt the U.S. aerospace industry in at least three ways: higher production costs, erosion of customer buying power at the traveler and producer level, and any impact to export sales when the inevitable retaliatory tariffs kick in. Tariffs might work for an emerging market country with a limited industrial base, but for a developed country with a very larger aerospace trade surplus, they’re potentially very damaging, and at least painful.”

Aboulafia’s observations reflect the consensus of economists who follow the global aviation industry. The prospect of a full-fledged trade war has aviation executives on edge.

Slowing the Tech Race

Avionics is an industry heavily reliant on international collaboration. From microprocessors to advanced radar systems, much of the critical technology is sourced globally.

Tariffs on key components—especially from China and the European Union—would drive up costs and slow research and development efforts. Avionics companies that are deeply embedded in the global supply chain would face delays and price hikes, ultimately stifling innovation.

International players such as Airbus could retaliate by imposing tariffs on U.S. avionics components, making it more expensive for American firms to sell their technology abroad. This could cede ground to European and Asian manufacturers, leaving the U.S. at a disadvantage.

Rising Costs and Shrinking Orders

Higher production costs will inevitably translate into more expensive avionics systems, raising the price tags on commercial and military aircraft alike. Airlines, already dealing with high operational costs and narrow profit margins, might delay upgrades or opt for alternative suppliers that can offer lower costs without the burden of tariffs.

Boeing, a key U.S. aerospace player already struggling with supply chain woes and regulatory scrutiny, could find itself in an even tighter bind. If tariffs disrupt access to avionics components, delays in aircraft delivery will follow—giving Airbus an upper hand.

Pentagon and Airline Woes

For military aviation, Trump’s tariffs could make defense procurement more expensive. The Pentagon relies on avionics advancements to maintain technological superiority, and increased costs could lead to budget overruns or program cuts. Foreign competitors in avionics may gain ground as the U.S. struggles with higher production expenses.

Ultimately, Trump’s tariff threats, if realized, could slow avionics innovation, make procurement more expensive, and weaken the competitiveness of American aerospace.

This article also appears in our partner publication Aircraft Value News.

John Persinos is the editor-in-chief of Aircraft Value News.

The post Trump’s Tariff Gambit: New Pressures on Avionics Innovation and Procurement appeared first on Avionics International.

—————
Boost Internet Speed–
Free Business Hosting–
Free Email Account–
Dropcatch–
Free Secure Email–
Secure Email–
Cheap VOIP Calls–
Free Hosting–
Boost Inflight Wifi–
Premium Domains–
Free Domains

B-52 CERP Faces Concurrency Challenges, DOT&E Says

A recently released fiscal 2024 report by the Pentagon Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) noted concurrency challenges for the re-engining of the B-52 bomber fleet under the U.S. Air Force Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP), as Rolls-Royce said that its F130 engine for CERP is on track.

Under CERP, a rapid prototyping Middle Tier of Acquisition effort, the Air Force is moving to put the F130 engines on the bomber to replace the B-52H’s Pratt & Whitney TF33-PW-103 engines, which the Air Force has said it wants to retire by 2030.

In September 2021, the Air Force awarded Rolls-Royce a CERP contract worth potentially $2.6 billion through fiscal 2038 to outfit the B-52 with the F130, based on Rolls-Royce’s commercial BR725 carried on Gulfstream G650 business jets (Defense Daily, Sept. 24, 2021).

CERP and the Radar Modernization Program (RMP) are the Air Force’s key modernization efforts for the Boeing B-52H bomber. The modernized bombers will carry the B-52J designation.

“Integration of new engines on a legacy aircraft is a major design change,” said last month’s DOT&E report, which provides updates on top DoD weapons programs. “B-52J CERP integration will require extensive flight tests to evaluate safety and performance in the areas of aircraft structures, wing flutter, propulsion system compatibility, aerodynamic performance, and aircraft flying qualities in critical phases of flight.”

DOT&E said that F130 low-rate initial production (LRIP) contracts would come before CERP initial operational test and evaluation in fiscal 2032 and would cover 51 of 74 bombers–the remaining 23 covered under a full-rate production contract in fiscal 2033.

“Changes in aircraft performance and flight characteristics require recertification of air refueling compatibility with all supporting tanker aircraft and recertification of all employed weapons,” the DOT&E report said. “Based on results from previous flight test programs, the risk of deficiency discovery in one or more of these areas is high. The proposed Air Force acquisition strategy implements a highly concurrent flight test and production program, with LRIP contracts awarded for 69 percent of fleet aircraft prior to IOT&E.”

“A contract for the first LRIP lot for five aircraft would be awarded prior to the start of the flight test program,” DOT&E said. “Three additional LRIP contracts, covering 46 more aircraft, would be awarded prior to completion of the developmental flight test program and IOT&E. Previous aircraft development programs with highly concurrent flight test and production schedules of this kind have frequently incurred significant cost increases and schedule delays driven by deficiency discoveries.”

For systems other than Navy ships and military satellites, Section 4231 of Title 10 provides that DoD limit LRIP of major systems to 10 percent of total production unless the defense secretary justifies an increase beyond that threshold and receives a congressional waiver. That 10 percent ceiling is to limit concurrency while providing the minimum number of systems needed for operational test and the creation of an initial system production base to ease the transition to increasing the build rate.

“Air Force rationale for establishing 69 percent of [B-52H] fleet aircraft as the minimum LRIP quantity necessary for these limited purposes is based on a 2017 business case analysis,” DOT&E said. “That analysis projected significant cost savings from procurement of a commercial engine replacement in fewer and larger lots with installation schedules aligned with existing B-52 periodic depot maintenance schedules.”

In December, Rolls-Royce said that the F130 passed an Air Force Critical Design Review (CDR)–a step “clearing the way for final development, test, and production efforts to proceed and taking another step toward delivering the upgraded B-52J” to the service.

Rolls-Royce said on March 1, 2023 that it had begun testing the F130 at the company’s outdoor testing site at NASA Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

The testing at NASA Stennis “marked the first time F130 engines were tested in the dual-pod engine configuration of the B-52 aircraft,” the company has said, and the Rapid Twin Pod Tests, which finished over the summer, “played a key role in validating Rolls-Royce’s analytical predictions, further de-risking the integration of the F130 engine onto the B-52J and meeting test goals,” Rolls-Royce has said.

Last summer, the Air Force said that it was undertaking a cost reduction effort for RMP and CERP. Total Air Force estimated costs for CERP have risen to $15 billion from $12.5 billion, the service said. The $15 billion includes $6 billion for development and $9 billion for procurement.

The Air Force plans a CERP Engineering and Manufacturing Development decision this fiscal year–a delay from the original schedule of fiscal 2024 “due to changes required in nacelle design and auxiliary engine systems,” DOT&E said.

“Throughout our rigorous testing program, the F130 engine has demonstrated incredible dispatch reliability, which will lead to lower lifecycle costs and improved fuel efficiency,” Scott Ames, Rolls-Royce’s B-52 program director, said in a Friday statement.

“Our digital modeling and testing program have informed and confirmed our predictions, allowing us to stay on track to deliver for the Air Force,” he said. “Working closely with our partners at Boeing, we have successfully met major program milestones – including holding the engine CDR, completing Rapid Twin Pod testing to support the B-52’s unique nacelle configuration, and finishing the first phase of sea-level testing in Indianapolis.”

A version of this story originally appeared in affiliate publication Defense Daily.

The post B-52 CERP Faces Concurrency Challenges, DOT&E Says appeared first on Avionics International.

—————
Boost Internet Speed–
Free Business Hosting–
Free Email Account–
Dropcatch–
Free Secure Email–
Secure Email–
Cheap VOIP Calls–
Free Hosting–
Boost Inflight Wifi–
Premium Domains–
Free Domains

Archer Raises $300 Million For Development Of eVTOL Manufacturing Capabilities

Archer on Feb. 11 said it has raised $300 million from institutional investors that it will put toward development of advanced manufacturing—to include batteries and composites—related to its hybrid-propulsion vertical take-off-and-landing (eVTOL) aircraft for commercial and defense applications.

The new funding follows a $430 million equity capital raise announced in December to support hybrid-propulsion development. At the time, the company said it had no additional near-term funding needs. Both funding raises are also being put toward general corporate expenses.

Now, the company sees bigger market opportunities for potential military customers.

“I believe the opportunity for advanced vertical lift aircraft across defense appears to be substantially larger than I originally expected,” Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer, said in a statement. “As a result, we are raising additional capital to help us invest in critical capabilities like composites and batteries to help enable us to capture this opportunity and more.”

So far, Archer has raised more than $2 billion in total capital and the company said it as about $1 billion in liquidity.

In December, Archer also said it has entered into an exclusive partnership with Anduril Industries to jointly develop eVTOL aircraft for defense applications. Midnight is the name of the aircraft the company is developing and has delivered one to the Air Force for flight-testing and evaluation.

BlackRock was one of the investors in the latest funding raise.

Archer also provided estimated operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2024 that will be in the $120 million to $140 million range.

A version of this story originally appeared in affiliate publication Defense Daily.

The post Archer Raises $300 Million For Development Of eVTOL Manufacturing Capabilities appeared first on Avionics International.

—————
Boost Internet Speed–
Free Business Hosting–
Free Email Account–
Dropcatch–
Free Secure Email–
Secure Email–
Cheap VOIP Calls–
Free Hosting–
Boost Inflight Wifi–
Premium Domains–
Free Domains

Marine Corps Highlights New Osprey Gearbox Sensors In Aviation Plan, Navy Limit At 200 Miles

The Marine Corps’ newest Aviation Plan underscored the importance of new sensors to be installed on the V-22 Osprey to better predict when parts need to be replaced to avoid previous incidents.

The document said this new Osprey Drive System Safety and Health Instrumentation (ODSSHI) will install sensors in critical areas of the aircraft’s Proprotor Gearbox (PRGB) and drivetrain “to provide vibration signature data that will allow maintenance to forecast the failure of parts and plan to remove those parts prior to failure.”

It also described that a “more refined Triple-Melt steel” will be the source material for internal components of the PRGB that the service expects will be “material for the internal components of the PRGB which will drastically reduce the likelihood of material defects in critical gears and bearings.”

The V-22 program is also working on a redesigned Input Quill Assembly (IQA) to reduce the “incidence of the wearout mode observed in previous IQA failures that led to aircraft Hard Clutch Engagement (HCE) occurrences.”

On Jan. 31 the Navy awarded the Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office a $46.5 million delivery order for integration and supportability of the V-22 Gearbox Vibration Monitoring/ODSSHI system. It also procures up to 91 ODSSHI kits. The work is expected to be finished by December 2026. 

The V-22 has experienced 19 hard clutch engagements that could lead to loss of the aircraft for years. Starting in 2022, there was a jump in serious problems. First, in June 2022, a dual hard clutch engagement led to a fatal crash. 

Last June, Vice Adm. Carl Chebi, commander of Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), said that instance led to the V-22 program implementing clutch replacements after 800 flight hours.

Then, last November, eight airmen died in a CV-22 crash off the coast of Japan. Chebi told lawmakers he got data indicating that was caused by a catastrophic material failure not previously seen. He said NAVAIR is replacing engine clutches after 800 flight hours to prevent the previous hard clutch engagement type incidents while also testing a new clutch design.

Currently, the V-22 is operating under flight restrictions and last year Chebi said those were not likely to be removed before the middle of this year.

The Navy and Marine Corps are allowed to fly their V-22s with safety controls like only having flights within 30 minutes of a divert airfield.

Speaking to reporters on Jan. 27, Navy Capt. Andrew Bear, deputy commodore of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Wing VRM-30 in San Diego, said they have translated that flight time limitation into 200 miles for the crews, the distance Ospreys can travel when it flies like an airplane. The Navy advertises the Osprey as having a range of about 1,150 miles.

NAVAIR has set a predetermined flight hour threshold for the V-22 gearbox after which they become more susceptible to problems. While Beard did not disclose that, he said the aircraft in his wing are divided into aircraft with gearboxes under and over 400 flight hours.

Beard also noted there is currently a CMV-22B detachment operating off the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and they have worked closely with the ship “to make sure that the ship stays within 200 miles at all times.”

He admitted there are still some days they do not have an opportunity to fly the Ospreys from the carrier based on where it is operating, which “they just incorporate that into their plan.”

Beard said they define a suitable divert field as a “runway with instrument approach, and I think at least 3,000 feet.”

However, pilots have been given some guidance on what that is, they have been trained to know that “if you’re in extremis and there’s a rock and it’s flat, get it done.”

A version of this story originally appeared in affiliate publication Defense Daily.

The post Marine Corps Highlights New Osprey Gearbox Sensors In Aviation Plan, Navy Limit At 200 Miles appeared first on Avionics International.

—————
Boost Internet Speed–
Free Business Hosting–
Free Email Account–
Dropcatch–
Free Secure Email–
Secure Email–
Cheap VOIP Calls–
Free Hosting–
Boost Inflight Wifi–
Premium Domains–
Free Domains

The FAA’s Latest Regulatory Priorities for Avionics

Global Avionics Round-Up from Aircraft Value News (AVN)

FAA logo

ADS-B integrity and electronic interference, among other critical issues, top the list.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently addressing several critical avionics issues to enhance aviation safety and operational efficiency. One prominent area of focus is the integrity and reliability of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) systems.

Despite the successful implementation of the ADS-B Out mandate, challenges persist, particularly concerning call sign mismatches. These discrepancies occur when the aircraft identification filed in a flight plan does not align with the ADS-B Flight ID broadcasted during flight. Such inconsistencies can lead to air traffic control confusion and potential safety risks.

The FAA is actively collaborating with airlines to resolve these issues, aiming to ensure accurate and consistent data transmission within the National Airspace System.

Another significant concern involves the susceptibility of avionics systems to electronic interference, notably GPS spoofing. This form of electronic warfare, traditionally used to deter drones and missiles, has increasingly affected commercial flights globally. Pilots have reported false alerts and disruptions in navigation and safety systems due to spoofed GPS signals, particularly in regions near conflict zones.

These incidents strain pilots’ attention and introduce risks during critical flight operations. While no catastrophic events have resulted from such interference to date, the FAA, airlines, and manufacturers are working on short-term mitigations and developing robust, GPS-spoofing-resistant technologies.

The FAA also is addressing human factors and pilot interface issues associated with complex integrated avionics systems. Recognizing that poorly designed interfaces can lead to pilot errors, the FAA emphasizes the importance of considering human factors in the design and certification of avionics. This approach aims to ensure that systems are intuitive and support pilots in maintaining situational awareness and making timely decisions.

The FAA has issued airworthiness directives targeting specific avionics components. Such directives mandate inspections and corrective actions to mitigate potential risks associated with these components.

The FAA is actively involved in updating and harmonizing safety standards for avionics systems.

The FAA’s current focus encompasses addressing ADS-B system discrepancies, mitigating electronic interference threats like GPS spoofing, enhancing human factors considerations in avionics design, issuing airworthiness directives for specific components, and updating safety standards. These efforts collectively aim to bolster the safety and reliability of avionics systems in the ever-evolving aviation landscape.

The post The FAA’s Latest Regulatory Priorities for Avionics appeared first on Avionics International.

—————
Boost Internet Speed–
Free Business Hosting–
Free Email Account–
Dropcatch–
Free Secure Email–
Secure Email–
Cheap VOIP Calls–
Free Hosting–
Boost Inflight Wifi–
Premium Domains–
Free Domains

Avionics: When The Chips Are Down

Global Avionics Round-Up from Aircraft Value News (AVN)

A shortage of microchips afflicts the avionics industry worldwide. The emerging multilateral trade war will only make the problem worse.

The commercial aviation avionics industry faces a host of challenges, but arguably one of the worst crises afflicting it today is the shortage of semiconductors and critical electronic components.

This crisis, exacerbated by a confluence of global supply chain disruptions, rising geopolitical tensions, and surging demand, has deeply impacted the production and delivery of advanced avionics systems, threatening the efficiency and safety of modern aircraft.

The trade war that the Trump administration has promised to initiate will only exacerbate the problem.

A Global Semiconductor Shortage

Semiconductors are the backbone of avionics, powering everything from navigation and communication systems to flight management and cockpit displays. The global semiconductor shortage, which initially emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, has persisted far longer than anticipated.

While other industries, such as automotive and consumer electronics, have managed to recover or adapt, the aviation industry faces unique challenges. Avionics systems require highly specialized and rigorously certified components that can’t be substituted with off-the-shelf chips. The stringent certification processes and the high reliability standards mandated by aviation authorities significantly limit the industry’s flexibility in sourcing alternatives.

Supply Chain Disruptions

Supply chain disruptions are compounding the semiconductor shortage. The pandemic caused major disruptions in global manufacturing and logistics networks, many of which have not fully recovered. Lockdowns in key manufacturing hubs, combined with port backlogs and transportation bottlenecks, have slowed the delivery of essential components.

Moreover, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has disrupted the supply of critical raw materials like neon gas and palladium, both of which are essential for semiconductor production. This has further constrained the availability of components needed for avionics manufacturing.

Rising Demand for Avionics

The chip challenge is exacerbated by the growing demand for advanced avionics. As airlines transition to next-generation aircraft to meet sustainability goals, the demand for fuel-efficient planes equipped with state-of-the-art avionics has surged. Moreover, the increasing emphasis on autonomous flight technologies and enhanced safety systems has further driven the need for more sophisticated electronic components. The widening gap between demand and supply has created backlogs and delayed aircraft deliveries, leading to higher costs for airlines.

Impact on Aircraft Production and Safety

These developments have exerted a ripple effect on aircraft production timelines. Major manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus have reported delays in delivering aircraft due to shortages of critical avionics components. This not only impacts airline operations but also has broader implications for the global aviation ecosystem, including leasing companies, maintenance providers, and passengers.

Safety concerns are another critical dimension of this crisis. The inability to source certified components can lead to delays in replacing aging avionics systems in existing aircraft, potentially compromising safety. While manufacturers and regulators are unlikely to compromise on safety standards, the extended timelines required to address these issues pose challenges for fleet reliability and performance.

Potential Solutions and Industry Response

To mitigate the crisis, industry stakeholders are exploring multiple strategies. Aircraft manufacturers and avionics suppliers are working to diversify their supply chains, seeking partnerships with new semiconductor manufacturers and investing in local production capabilities.

Governments are also stepping in to address the semiconductor shortage by offering incentives for domestic chip manufacturing and fostering public-private partnerships. The industry is pushing for more streamlined certification processes to accelerate the approval of alternative components without compromising safety.

The semiconductor and avionics component shortage represents a threat to the commercial aviation industry, impeding progress toward more efficient and technologically advanced aircraft. The good news is, efforts are underway in 2025 among manufacturers, suppliers, and regulators to address these challenges.

This article also appears in our partner publication Aircraft Value News.

John Persinos is the editor-in-chief of Aircraft Value News. You can reach John at: jpersinos@accessintel.com

The post Avionics: When The Chips Are Down appeared first on Avionics International.

—————
Boost Internet Speed–
Free Business Hosting–
Free Email Account–
Dropcatch–
Free Secure Email–
Secure Email–
Cheap VOIP Calls–
Free Hosting–
Boost Inflight Wifi–
Premium Domains–
Free Domains

Viper Shield Has First Flight on F-16 at Edwards AFB

L3Harris Technologies’ Viper Shield had its first flight aboard a Royal Bahraini Air Force F-16C at Edwards AFB, Calif. (Lockheed Martin Photo)

The L3Harris Technologies AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield all-digital electronic warfare suite recently had its first flight on a Royal Bahraini Air Force Block 70 F-16C assigned to the U.S. Air Force’s 412th Test Wing at Edwards AFB, Calif.

The wing is testing that aircraft as part of the foreign military sales process for Bahrain/Royal Bahraini Air Force.

In June 2018, the U.S. Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a $1.1 billion FMS contract to build 16 F-16 Block 70 fighters for the Royal Bahraini Air Force.

Bahrain is the first foreign nation to receive Block 70s.

The first Viper Shield flight at Edwards “included a series of risk reduction tests related to the mission computer and other avionic subsystems compatibility, as well as interoperability with the APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) fire control radar,” L3Harris said on Tuesday.

Northrop Grumman builds the APG-83 AESA radar.

AESA features include beyond line of sight, longer range air-to-air and air-to-ground targeting of multiple targets, such as air defense radars and cruise/surface to air missiles, and all-weather, high-resolution, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) ground mapping for improved strike.

In September, L3Harris said that its site in Clifton, N.J., had begun building 166  Viper Shields for F-16s in six countries under a total Viper Shield backlog of $1 billion.

“The Viper Shield system combined with a Block 70 airframe creates a leap in capability compared to the traditional Block 50 Viper I grew up flying,” Air Force Maj. Anthony Pipe, an F-16 experimental test pilot, said on Tuesday in the L3Harris statement. “The EW advancements this system brings will ensure pilots flying these aircraft continue to make it home.”

For U.S. F-16s, however, the Air Force in March 2022 chose Northrop Grumman’s ultra-wideband architecture AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS), but L3Harris has said that it believes Viper Shield could one day go on U.S. F-16s.

“Our building block approach to test hardware and software in labs, demonstrate functionality in dense radio frequency environments and validate the EW system on the ground prepared us for Viper Shield’s successful first flight,” Ed Zoiss, president of L3Harris Space and Airborne Systems, said on Tuesday in the company statement. “With this [Viper Shield first flight] milestone, we are ready to continue flight testing and deliver systems in late 2025 as Viper Shield is the only advanced EW solution that is funded and in active production for international F-16 partners.”

L3Harris said that Viper Shield “counters modern radar threats with immediate detection and advanced jamming responses to disrupt the adversary’s kill chain” and that, “unlike other EW system providers, Viper Shield will integrate across all F-16 Blocks with minimal modifications to the aircraft, and it is fully configurable with both the current Mission Modular Computer and the Next Generation Mission Computer.”

A version of this story originally appeared in affiliate publication Defense Daily.

The post Viper Shield Has First Flight on F-16 at Edwards AFB appeared first on Avionics International.

—————
Boost Internet Speed–
Free Business Hosting–
Free Email Account–
Dropcatch–
Free Secure Email–
Secure Email–
Cheap VOIP Calls–
Free Hosting–
Boost Inflight Wifi–
Premium Domains–
Free Domains