Harris Corporation and L-3 Communications Add Integrated Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Video Capability to Falcon III Tactical Handheld Radio

WASHINGTON and ROCHESTER, N.Y., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ --

Highlights:

• Combines multiband, multimission radio with ISR video receiver in a single handheld device.
• Allows warfighter to add significant tactical capabilities while carrying less gear and weight.
• Positions companies to address emerging requirement for combining communications and ISR.

Harris Corporation (NYSE: HRS) and L-3 Communication Systems-West have integrated the capability to receive and view battlefield video with advanced tactical voice and data communications in a lightweight Harris handheld military radio.

At the annual Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) Exposition in Washington, D.C., Harris and L-3 demonstrated a device that integrates the Harris Falcon III® AN/PRC-152 radio platform with the L-3 Soldier Intelligence Receiver (SIR), a portable handheld tactical receiver that receives video downlinks from ISR platforms.

Currently ISR data and ground tactical communications are handled using separate and often non-interoperable technologies.  The integrated technology from Harris and L-3 provides users with interoperable voice, data and ISR communications in a single package.

"Integrating L-3's SIR with the AN/PRC-152 addresses the urgent need to deliver full motion video and actionable information directly to the tactical edge in a lightweight, multimission form factor," said Brendan O'Connell, president, Department of Defense business, Harris RF Communications.  "This combination handheld radio/video receiver delivers superior situational awareness by enabling users to view and receive video while maintaining short- and long-range communication links.  Harris is committed to developing advanced tactical communications solutions that increasingly offer a range of integrated ISR capabilities to the warfighter."

"L-3 is pleased to partner with Harris in demonstrating this revolutionary combination of a best-in-class tactical radio with a best-in-class video receiver," said Susan D. Opp, corporate vice president and president of L-3's Communication Systems Group.  "Both companies have listened to our customers to provide this latest-technology solution for their urgent needs.  We remain committed to seeking better ways to support the warfighter through agility and innovation."  

The AN/PRC-152(C) is the most widely deployed handheld radio to be certified as compliant with the JTRS Software Communications Architecture.  The U.S. Department of Defense and allies have acquired more than 125,000 AN/PRC-152(C) radios around the world.  

SIR is an IP-based, multi-band, secure digital and analog receiver designed for ease of integration, all within a very small package.  The SIR is the smallest tactical ISR receiver on the market, weighing less than one pound and providing a variety of external interfaces to allow connectivity to virtually any existing display device, computer, power source or Soldier System.

L-3 Communication Systems-West is a leader in communications systems for high-performance intelligence collection, imagery processing and satellite communications for the DoD and other government agencies.  The company provides high data rate, wideband, secure, real-time communications systems for surveillance, reconnaissance and other airborne intelligence collection systems.  To learn more about L-3 Communication Systems-West, please visit the company's website at www.L-3com.com/CSW.

Harris RF Communications is the leading global supplier of secure radio communications and embedded high-grade encryption solutions for military, government and commercial organizations.  The company's Falcon® family of software-defined tactical radio systems encompasses manpack, handheld and vehicular applications.  Falcon III is the next generation of radios supporting the U.S. military's Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) requirements, as well as network-centric operations worldwide.  Harris RF Communications is also a leading supplier of assured communications® systems and equipment for public safety, utility and transportation markets — with products ranging from the most advanced IP voice and data networks to portable and mobile single- and multiband radios.

About Harris Corporation

Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries.  Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $5 billion of annual revenue and more than 16,000 employees — including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists.  Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications® products, systems, and services.  Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management's current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions.  Such statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Harris disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

SOURCE Harris Corporation