In this article:
On their own, Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) and Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar are formidable capabilities for the F-16. Together, they’re even better, providing unmatched survivability and lethality for the Viper.
It’s a question of spectrum. Fighter jet radars and electronic warfare (EW) protection systems use the radio frequency portion of the electromagnetic spectrum for targeting, self-protection and surveillance missions. From the start, Northrop Grumman designed the F-16’s IVEWS to work seamlessly with the SABR AESA radar, so that both could use the same portion of the spectrum simultaneously.
“Dominating the electromagnetic spectrum paves the way for all other operations,” said James Conroy, Northrop Grumman vice president of electronic warfare and targeting, in a company news release. “In these high-stakes environments, having systems that work together is a significant advantage that allows warfighters to operate safely and effectively in the highly contested airspace of a near-peer fight.”
There is no filtering, blanking or reduction of the radar’s capabilities while IVEWS protects the platform. The two systems communicate digitally on a pulse-to-pulse basis, so each is aware of what portion of the spectrum the other is using at every moment. Pilots can carry out intense radar tasks without compromising the ability of IVEWS to counter adversary threats.
Threats are evolving rapidly worldwide, becoming more agile and unpredictable. Where it was once possible to map out threats in advance of a mission, the norm is now pop-up, mobile threats that can change frequencies quickly. An EW system needs to be able to detect, identify and jam a threat when the aircraft is within range of a weapon, not simply in the detection zone.
“We built IVEWS with an ultra-wideband architecture and the onboard power to detect and protect against the most advanced threats,” said Conroy. “The U.S. and its international partners are encountering these same threats worldwide.”
IVEWS was selected by the U.S. Air Force in 2019 and has since completed Operational Assessment, flying more than 70 sorties in complex electromagnetic spectrum environments. Northrop Grumman has delivered over 900 SABR systems since 2013.
The first time IVEWS ever flew, it was ready for a fight. At the Air Force’s Northern Lightning exercise in 2021, IVEWS flew together with SABR in a highly congested electromagnetic spectrum environment against airborne and ground-based threats. It would undergo rigorous laboratory and chamber testing before being installed on two USAF F-16 aircraft and completing Developmental Test and Operational Assessment.
Lt. Col. Christopher B. James, USAF, Deputy Division Chief, F-16 USAF Programs, noted the system’s accomplishments during Operational Assessment, stating that “Our USAF F-16 System Program Office, in collaboration with our Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Eglin’s OFP/CTF and Terma partners, has successfully completed the IVEWS Operational Assessment with excellent results…Not only did the system perform well, but it also worked during its first flight on two aircraft, which is unprecedented for a complex and fully integrated electronic warfare system.”
Since completing Operational Assessment, IVEWS has continued to fly against a wide range of airborne, maritime and ground-based threats, demonstrating its unmatched ability to preserve the freedom of maneuver and protect warfighters. To date, it has amassed more than 250 flight hours.
Designed and built in America, both IVEWS and SABR are ready to protect the worldwide fleet of more than 2,800 F-16 aircraft. These EW systems put the F-16 a generation ahead, providing capability without compromise.
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. It provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations.
The F-16 offers advanced interoperable capabilities that enhance partnerships with allies. It has been proving its effectiveness for decades and continues to remain the best value among 4th generation jets for its capabilities and affordable lifecycle costs.
The F-16 is one of the most iconic fighters in history, symbolizing enduring partnerships, industrial collaboration, and security over the past 50 years. Equipped with advanced capabilities, the F-16 enhances interoperability, peacekeeping, and deterrence operations among allies and partners worldwide.
Photo credit: Northrop Grumman
