Aeroflex Avionics Test Set receives AIMS certification

The IFF-45TS test set is an RF signal simulator that can be remotely operated. It supports engineering development of Mode 5 or Mark XIIA systems in bench and over-the-air applications. With appropriate antennas, the IFF-45TS has a test range to 3km and is capable of ramp testing installed equipment.

The Mark XIIA Mode 5 is an improvement to the ageing Mark XII IFF system that uses modern modulation, coding and cryptographic techniques to overcome performance and security problems in the current Mark XII waveform. Additionally, Mark XIIA Mode 5 offers expanded data handling capable of passing GPS position and other extended data.

IFF is a cryptographic identification system that enables military and national interrogation systems to distinguish friendly aircraft, vehicles or forces, and to determine their bearing and range from the interrogator. There are two military modes of IFF operation designated for use by NATO forces: Mode 4, which is crypto-secure mode and Mode 5, which is crypto-secure using Mode S and ADS-B technology. The DoD International AIMS Program Office handles the certification of IFF equipment, assuring minimum performance and interoperability standards. They also focus on reducing the proliferation of IFF equipment.

“According to the DoD, more than 30,000 air, ground, sea and surface weapon platforms are currently dependent upon IFF Mode 5 systems for co-operative combat identification,” said Guy Hill, director of the Avionics Product Group at Aeroflex. “The versatile IFF-45TS is among the first test sets to be officially AIMS certified for testing and verification of IFF Mode 5 equipment. This adds another level of confidence for customers who purchase test equipment from Aeroflex, the leader in avionics test solutions.”

The IFF-45TS is now officially certified to perform AIMS 03-1000A and DO-181C certification and testing of IFF Mode 4 and Mode 5 equipment.