Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) is a critical identification system designed for command and control, enabling military and civilian air traffic control interrogation systems to identify aircraft, vehicles or forces as friendly. It also determines their bearing and range from the interrogator, enhancing situational awareness and operational effectiveness.
Collins Aerospace has more than 70 years of experience in IFF technology. Our IFF transponders and interrogators, including advanced Mark XII A and AIMS-certified solutions, are deployed on more than 150 platforms worldwide, across military applications in the air, on land or at sea.
In today’s dynamic global environment, it’s critical to use a proven, secure question-and-answer system that distinguishes platforms as friendly, enemy or neutral.
Transponders
Provides full Mk XII, Mode S, Mode 5 and ADS-B capabilities in a flexible open system architecture with optional embedded TSO-certified GPS receiver.
Provides Mode 5 and legacy capabilities with user friendly menus and enhanced features for operators and maintainers.
Air-to-Air Interrogators
Most technically advanced, compact and lightweight interrogator available for airborne, long-range and shipboard IFF. Selected by the U.S. Air Force as part of their F-15 aircraft modernization plan.
Provides a 120-degree field of view, full built-in-test and future growth capability.
Air Defense Interrogators (ADI)
Long-range Air Defense Interrogator providing Mk XIIA capability. Integrated on U.S. and International Patriot air and missile defense systems.
Medium range Air Defense Interrogator providing Mk XIIA / Mode S and passive receive capability for air defense, surveillance and air traffic control platforms. Integrated on U.S. and International Sentinel, ATNAVICS, and MADIS systems.
Long-range Air Defense Interrogator providing Mk XIIA / Mode S and passive receive capability for long-range systems. It is integrated on U.S. and International LTAMDS systems.
Long-range Air Defense Interrogator supporting multiple global platforms. Provides MK XIIA capability with enhanced reliability.
Provides tactical IFF in a rugged and compact package for Man-Portable and Short-Range Air Defense Systems.
Crypto
State-of-the-art cryptographic technology solution for IFF interrogators or transponders. Provides a common enterprise crypto solution that delivers significant savings in lifecycle cost and operational flexibility.
Provides full Mode 4, Mode 5, Level 1 and 2 functional checkout for KIV-77 host equipment.
IFF test equipment
Provides automated and tailorable I-level maintenance and functional testing for Collins IFF systems to enhance combat readiness.
Identification Friend or Foe has relied on Mode 4 since the 1960s. However, as of June 2020, the U.S. Department of War AIMS program office ceased generation of Mode 4 Crypto keys and mandated the conversion for all systems to Mode 5.
Mode 5 significantly improves the ability to identify and track friendly aircraft, enhanced situational awareness for command and control and Combat-ID functions. Mode 5 improvements include new cryptography, stronger security features, modern signal modulation techniques and greater data content. The increased data capacity enables encrypted transmission and supports new data formats, including National Origin codes and Platform Identification Numbers.
Mode 5 also includes lethal interrogations designed to prevent fratricide. This feature provides a final challenge to a targeted platform before weapons engagement. Even platforms operating under radio silence or “EMCON” (emission control) can respond to Mode 5 interrogations.
To ensure these IFF systems are properly integrated, Collins works directly with customers, including providing analysis, planning, platform design and development, integration, and test support.