USAF conducts first F-16 Block 70 flight of L3Harris’ Viper Shield
L3Harris has plans for Viper Shield to integrate across all F-16 Blocks, to improve its EW capabilities. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
The Viper Shield electronic warfare suite was tested by the US Air Force’s 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, with L3Harris aiming for deliveries of the system to international customers by late 2025.
L3Harris has announced the successful first flight of its Viper Shield in a F-16 Block 70, flown at the US Air Force’s 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The flight reportedly included risk reduction tests and other avionic subsystems compatibility, as well as testing interoperability with the APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
The Viper Shield is a digital electronic warfare (EW) suite being produced for international customers acquiring the Block 70/72 F-16 aircraft. According to L3Harris, it provides advanced EW capabilities to F-16 fighter fleets.
Related Articles
L3Harris’ Viper Shield for F-16s completes safety tests
L3Harris develops Viper Shield EW system and makes strides on DiSCO development
Flight testing will continue throughout 2025, with systems to be delivered by “late 2025”, according to Ed Zoiss, president, space and airborne systems, L3Harris. The company previously announced that the internal system was under production in September 2024.
Maj. Anthony Pipe, F-16 Experimental Test Pilot, US Air Force added: “This flight launches the latest capability enhancement for the F-16 and our warfighters. 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. The EW advancements this system brings will ensure pilots flying these aircraft continue to make it home.”
Shephard previously learned that the Viper Shield system could be configured as an external pod, which is in development. While there are no customers for the pod yet, L3Haris reportedly see it as an alternative to a system upgrade on F-16 Block 20 to 50/52 aircraft.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Sikorsky advances Black Hawk modernisation with new engine ground tests]()
Sikorsky advances Black Hawk modernisation with new engine ground tests
The UH-60 helicopter ground run test of the T901 engine is the first in a set of tests for boosting the helicopter’s range and lift capacity. The first flight of the improved engine Black Hawk is anticipated for later in 2025.
-
![Third Australian Triton UAS completes testing]()
Third Australian Triton UAS completes testing
Australia received its first MQ-4C Triton uncrewed aerial system (UAS) in August last year with another two expected to be delivered this year.
-
![US Navy’s next-generation sensor for Super Hornets achieves Initial Operating Capability]()
US Navy’s next-generation sensor for Super Hornets achieves Initial Operating Capability
The full rate production decision is scheduled for first-half 2025 and this will authorise the US Navy (USN) to fully outfit its carrier-based F/A-18E/F Super Hornet squadrons with InfraRed Search-and-Track (IRST) Block II.
