USAF selects General Dynamics' updated KIV-78 system with cryptographic modules
NewsSeptember 06, 2016
FAIRFAX, Va. U.S. Air Force officials selected General Dynamics Mission Systems to deliver updated Air Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) Mode 4/5 KIV-78 Combined Interrogator/Transponder Applique. Deliveries are expected to begin in February 2017.
General Dynamics initially won the indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract for the Identification Friend or Foe cryptographic modules in 2010. With the updated modules, the contract’s ceiling value increased by $20 million.
Officials say the KIV-78 is a Type 1 NSA-certified COMSEC for IFF that enables ships, ground forces, and other aircraft to identify friendly aircraft. The updates to the system deliver encrypted inquiries of friend/ foe, as well as their replies allowing aircraft to transmit their identity securely.
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