BAE Systems to redesign identification friend or foe (IFF) digital transponder to stave-off obsolescence
PATUXENT RIVER NAS, Md. – Avionics experts at BAE Systems are moving forward with a project to redesign a Mode 5-capable common identification friend or foe (IFF) digital transponder to help mitigate the effects of component obsolescence.
Officials of the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., announced a $30 million order in August to the BAE Systems Electronic Systems segment in Greenlawn, N.Y., for non-recurring engineering and design work for the technical refresh of 17 engineering development models of the AN/APX-123A(V) Common Transponder to resolve parts obsolescence.
BAE Systems engineers also will redesign the AN/APX-123A(V) transponder with the latest specifications, qualification, and certification standards in support of U.S. Navy, Army, and allied fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
The AN/APX-117A(V), AN/APX-118A(V), and AN/APX-123A(V) avionics transponders are part of the BAE Systems common transponder (CXP) family that is the Navy's and Army's standard transponder for all new aircraft and aircraft upgrades.
The digital transponder units are built on an open-system architecture and high-density field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology that provides for system flexibility and future systems improvements through software-only upgrades.
The CXP family of IFF transponders is configured to replace all AN/APX-100, AN/APX-101, AN/APX-108, AN/APX-64, AN/APX-72 and AN/UPX-28 transponders. All CXP transponders weigh less than 12 pounds with embedded cryptography, and measure 5.375 by 5.375 by 8.375 inches. Their radio control units measure 5.25 by 5.75 by 3 inches.
On this order BAE Systems will do the work in Greenlawn, N.Y. and Austin, Texas, and should be finished by February 2026. For more information contact BAE Systems Electronic Systems online at https://www.baesystems.com/en-us/our-company/inc-businesses/electronic-systems, or Naval Air Systems Command at https://www.navair.navy.mil.
John Keller | Editor-in-Chief
John Keller is the Editor-in-Chief, Military & Aerospace Electronics Magazine--provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronics and optoelectronic technologies in military, space and commercial aviation applications. John has been a member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since 1989 and chief editor since 1995.
