L3Harris has introduced the Viper Shield Pod, a variant of its advanced Viper Shield electronic warfare (EW) protection. This variant allegedly will offer the same level of protection as an internally integrated system.
“Seven U.S. partner nations, most recently Poland, have selected Viper Shield for the suite’s advanced EW capabilities and ease of upgrade,” President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris, Ed Zoiss, said. “Future customers – especially those who operate the F-16 Block 50 or earlier – may prefer the flexibility of the Viper Shield external Pod to increase aircraft survivability.”
The Viper Shield Pod can offer an addition or augment EW capabilities in F-16 fleets.
“Whether Viper Shield customers select the Pod variant, internal variant or both, they’ll extend the F-16’s operational life to enhance their fleet,” Zoiss stated. “We’ve applied decades of F-16 EW experience to Viper Shield so these venerable fighter jets can evolve to meet the challenges of the modern battlefield and bring pilots home safely.”
Viper Shield possesses fully funded development for rapid fielding and integration. Its open-system design supports new growth capabilities, such as high-tech radar and electronic systems that will further enhance situational awareness, threat detection and countermeasure capabilities.
Advanced features for both variants leverage commercial off-the-shelf technology and software-defined architecture.
Viper Shield is lighter, smaller and more modular in design than previous EW systems. The Pod fits on all F-16 blocks, from legacy to new. Its line replaceable units (LRUs) can be easily removed and replaced in the field, with room to add advanced capabilities via 3U Versatile Performance Extension upgrades in the future.
In production today, the Viper Shield Pod and internal components are identical, down to the same part numbers.
As with the internal variant, Viper Shield Pod maintenance is managed through a commercial contract with the platform prime. The Pod’s accessibility and separation from the aircraft offer simple, fast repairs and quick return to service.