BAE Systems’ new Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) AN/APX-127(V)1 Combined Interrogator Transponder (CIT) has received AIMS certification from the US Department of War for the US Air Force’s F-16 Fighting Falcon.
The AIMS certification is a US and NATO interoperable standard that marks the IFF solution ready for use. This next-generation CIT will improve identification and enable enhanced decision making to distinguish between allied forces and potential threats in contested scenarios.
According to BAE Systems, the modernised system consolidates interrogator and transponder functions into one box for highly manoeuvrable aircraft and its open-system architecture allows for software upgrades. With the same form factor, it is a drop-in replacement for the AN/APX-113(V), AN/APX-125(V), and AN/APX-126(V) CITs, which are currently operating on multiple US and international platforms.
“We are investing in the next generation of our IFF technology to support our customers’ missions for today and tomorrow,” Combat Identification Products program area director at BAE Systems, Seth Guanu, said.
“Our multi-domain systems are designed for high-performance; easily upgradeable; and meet size, weight, and power objectives for existing and emerging platforms. This solution provides added security and real-time information pilots need in a variety of threat environments.”
The new CIT provides advanced, multi-function capabilities while supporting the latest crypto and cybersecurity resilience requirements.
It is AIMS Mark XIIB IFF certified with Mode S and Mode 5 for secure and encrypted data exchange. It has additional receive channels for passive acquisition of Mode 5 Level 2 and Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast In.
With more than 80 years of experience, BAE Systems claims it has delivered over 1,500 interrogators, 6,000 combined interrogator transponder systems, and 16,000 transponders.
Work on the AN/APX-127(V)1 CIT is performed at BAE Systems’ facilities in Greenlawn, New York and Austin, Texas. The company expects to start delivering on the first 90-unit production lot this year.