GenDyn to supply U.S. Air Force with new cryptographic module

FAIRFAX, Va., Sept. 7 (UPI) -- General Dynamics Mission Systems will supply an updated Air Identification Friend or Foe system for the U.S. Air Force, the company announced Wednesday.

The KIV-78 Combined Interrogator/Transponder Applique will enable ships, ground forces and other aircraft to precisely identify friendly aircraft operating in a crowded tactical airspace, GenDyn said in a statement.

Deliveries of the KIV-78 are slated to begin in February.

The U.S. National Security Agency certified the refreshed KIV-78 in March.

The system reduces power consumption and supports platform functions like maintaining flight data from take-off to landing.

The updated module provides full encryption of friend or foe inquiries and replies, enabling aircraft to transmit their identity securely while allowing pilots to promptly identify possible threats beyond visible range, GenDyn said.

The KIV-78 is part of a product family that offers high-speed processing, resulting in faster data transfer and reduced potential for Identification Friend or Foe data exploitation by adversaries.

The Air Force awarded GenDyn an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for the modules in 2010.