Aeroflex Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Aeroflex Holding Corp., announced that the Aeroflex APM-424(V)5 IFF MK XIIA Mode 5 portable test set has received full certification from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) AIMS International Program Office to support both AIMS 04-900A Option A (KIV-78) and Option B (KIV-77) crypto appliqués.

With the latest AIMS certification, Aeroflex’s Mode 5 test set has resolved all previous exceptions, including support for burst mode interrogators, and is in full compliance with DoD AIMS 03-1000A performance standards for Mark XIIA performance and ICAO Annex 10 international standards for Mode S ELS/EHS performance for ramp testing of IFF transponders and interrogators.

“The AIMS certification is a key milestone for us. The Aeroflex Mode 5 test set, supporting both KIV-77 and KIV-78, allows our customers to avoid costs by eliminating the need for additional test equipment, logistics, training, and risk,” said Guy Hill, Director, Avionics Business Unit, Aeroflex Test Solutions.

The APM-424(V)5 COMSEC interface easily accommodates both Option A (KIV-78) and Option B (KIV-77) crypto appliqués in a single test set. This will allow operators to use a crypto that is common to their platform and avoid the logistics and costs associated with acquiring additional test sets and difficult-to-obtain cryptographic devices.

The Aeroflex APM-424(V)5 maintains the same familiar menu structure and operation, to accommodate the use of existing procedures for legacy modes. KIV-6 support is also accommodated via the KIV-78 adapter.

IFF Mode 5 is a cryptographic identification system that enables interrogation systems to distinguish friendly aircraft, vehicles, or forces.

The Aeroflex APM-424(V)5 verifies Mode 5 code load and mission/platform parameters. The test set also supports Mode S for military air transport aircraft EHS/ELS. The APM-424(V)5 replaces the APM-424(V)3, TS-4530/UPM, TS-4530-1 and TS-4542. Mode 5 upgrade kits are available for existing test sets.