The Naval Air Traffic Management Systems Program Office (PMA-213) took the next evolutionary step with the threat-recognition system for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler through a series of ground and flight test events conducted by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23, along with the PMA-213 Combat Identification (CID) team.
Developmental testing for IFF Mode 5 equipment, which is known as an RT-1763C/APX-111(V) Combined Interrogator Transponder (CIT) was performed and completed at Patuxent River Naval Air Station from June 2013 through February 2015.
The developmental testing effort was led by Andrew Tebbano, CID test engineer, and Stephanie Boyd, F/A-18 CID/IFF test lead.
“IFF in warfare is paramount and PMA-213 is providing the Navy with the most advanced information technology available for this important capability,” said Thomas Youhn, Naval Air Systems Test and Evaluation program manager. “CID integration software testing was completed in time to meet the PMA-265 H10 software configuration set operational schedule bringing Mode 5 and improved capabilities to the F/A-18 fleet.”
In an operational environment, Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air (NIFC-CA) provides enhanced offensive and defensive counter-air mission performance for long-range fire control and projection.
For the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler, carrying out the NIFC-CA strategy, Mode 5, will provide a highly reliable, safe and positive friendly identification capability, explained Youhn.
“IFF has matured a great deal since the days of old when national markings were used on airplanes to visually identify nationality and determine friend or foe,” said Youhn. “Modern technology allows for identification within hundreds of miles of separation to increase the pilot’s safety levels, which allows the Navy to bring ‘em back alive.”
Source / Author: NAVAIR
Photo: NAVAIR