The M425 from Leonardo is an Identification, Friend, or Foe (IFF) System that is designed for all applications including avionic (fixed or rotary wings) and ships. It has a fully solid-state and modular construction to facilitate maintenance. This system transmits replies on two RF connectors to provide full diversity operation which is supported by a receive section that provides two matched channels. It provides military identification with Mode 4 and Mode 5 which is supported by an embedded crypto module entirely designed by the company and qualified by NATO Authorities (SECAN). The IFF system provides compatibility with the latest ATC standards by a Mode S (up to Enhanced Surveillance) that includes an ADSB-OUT capability. It requires a DC supply of 28 V.
The M425 has a sensitivity of -78 dBm and provides an output power of 27 dBW. It has multiple options to interface the Host platform and all interfaces are available in the same unit and is automatically selected at power-up. These interfaces include MIL-STD-1553 to interface an avionic bus, RS-485 to interface an FMS or dedicated control panel, ARINC 429 to interface an FMS, and a conventional Control Panel (M910) for legacy applications. This IFF system is available in a rugged APX 100 form factor which is intended for hard mounting.
The M425 is currently installed on many Italian MoD aircraft, helicopters, and ships, and is used on a number of NATO platforms. A variant of the equipment, with limited repackaging, is provided for use on Typhoon aircraft for the needs of the Four Nations. Operation in Mode 5 has been successfully verified during bilateral IT-US interoperability trials with the US Navy. Variants of the equipment can be provided for non-NATO applications with an M4-only or National Secure Mode capability.
