L3Harris Technologies’ Viper Shield electronic warfare system has completed a series of two-aircraft flight tests at Edwards Air Force Base in California. During the trials, an F-16C and F-16D flew together for the first time with Viper Shield installed on both aircraft. The milestone marks another step toward validating the system’s readiness to provide advanced protection and enhanced situational awareness for F-16 pilots worldwide.
Capabilities validated in realistic multi-aircraft scenarios
The flight tests focused on validating Viper Shield’s capabilities by confirming that the system can detect, identify, and counter advanced threats across the electromagnetic spectrum while maintaining interoperability with the aircraft’s avionics. Teams involved in the flight-test program emphasized the importance of the system’s digital architecture and its ability to respond to threats across different mission profiles.
“The two-ship flights with Viper Shield are another strong example that the system is performing as intended,” said Lauren Barnes, President, Spectrum Superiority, Communications & Spectrum Dominance, L3Harris. “Viper Shield is showing exceptional threat awareness and rapid reaction capability throughout the flight test campaign at Edwards.”
Photo: US Air Force
Flight testing on F-16C and F-16D expands the range of validated capabilities
Viper Shield is the world’s only electronic warfare system currently in production with a compact form factor that allows integration across multiple F-16 production variants. The system is available both as an internally integrated solution and as an externally carried pod. Viper Shield acts as digital armor for the host aircraft. Its software-defined architecture uses commercially available technologies to reduce system weight. This approach also makes future upgrades easier to implement.
The F-16C is the primary combat variant of the aircraft, and testing on this platform allows engineers to assess system performance while the aircraft carries weapon and stores configurations actually used in combat. The same applies to sensor configurations and different conditions for the operational employment of electronic warfare systems. The F-16D, meanwhile, is typically used for training and missions requiring a second crew member. Within the test program, the D-model allows the system’s maturity to be evaluated across a broader range of flight conditions and mission-specific aircraft configurations.
Barnes emphasized the importance of close cooperation with the US Air Force test and evaluation community in validating the system’s capabilities and its readiness for operational missions.
“The collaboration with Air Force pilots, engineers and the broader test community is instrumental,” said Barnes. “Their operational insight and disciplined approach put Viper Shield through its paces in realistic environments.”
Production ramps up to meet global demand
L3Harris is expanding production capacity as it prepares to reach the target production rate for all 233 systems contracted to date. Viper Shield has been selected by eight countries, while additional partner nations will be able to benefit from an established production line, a mature quality-assurance system, and a supply chain configured for high-rate production.
“Each successful test brings us closer to delivering Viper Shield operationally,” said Barnes. “Our team is already focused on the next phases of integration and full-rate production. Operators are counting on this capability, and we are committed to delivering it with precision and urgency.“