Aeroflex MK12A IFF Mode 5 test set receives full certification by DoD AIMS Program Office

“Point and shoot” flight line tester includes latest secure military encryption codes

“The full AIMS certification is a very important milestone for us. It follows closely the ‘approval for test’ that was granted to Aeroflex last quarter by AIMS,” said Guy Hill, Director, Avionics Business Unit, Aeroflex Test Solutions. “This certification authorizes IFF end users and customers to utilize the APM-424(V)5 in their platform integration, validation and certification efforts,” he said.
The APM-424(V)5 is the first available, portable MK XIIA Mode 5 Level 2/Mode S ELS/EHS test set that has received full certification from the DoD AIMS Program Office.
The new APM-424(V)5 replaces the APM-424(V)3, TS-4530, and TS-4530-1. For customers with existing test sets, Mode 5 upgrade kits are available. Upgraded units can be used with current TOs/TMs (Technical Orders/Technical Manuals).

Aeroflex’s Mode 5 tester is lightweight and configurable
IFF Mode 5 is a cryptographic identification system that enables military and international interrogation systems to distinguish friendly aircraft, vehicles, or forces, and to determine their bearing and range from the interrogator. As Mode 5 is deployed, newly installed transponders and interrogators require initial commissioning tests followed by routine pre-mission tests.
The Aeroflex APM-424(V)5 is a lightweight flight line test set for non-commercial, pre-mission testing of IFF transponders and interrogators. It tests the latest development in secure IFF Mode 5. Levels 1 and 2 are crypto-secure with enhanced encryption, spread spectrum modulation, and time of day authentication.

The APM-424(V)5’s transponder test mode verifies Mode 5 code load and mission/platform parameters. The interrogator test mode verifies Mode 5 code load and correct decoding of mission/platform parameters. The test set also supports Mode S for military air transport aircraft EHS/ELS. With field interchangeable adapter housings, the APM-424(V)5 will support both the KIV-77 and KIV-78 crypto appliqués, allowing the test set to be configured to the users’ needs. This feature provides flexibility that is not afforded by comparable products. This certification authorizes use for the KIV-77 adapter; the KIV-78 adapter is currently in development with AIMS certification forthcoming.