Harris Corporation Awarded $85 Million Contract By FAA for Alaskan Satellite Telecommunications Infrastructure

MELBOURNE, Fla., July 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --  

Highlights:

• Infrastructure replaces/upgrades ground segment of FAA's existing satellite communications network in Alaska
• Next-generation technology enhances reliability, provides cost savings and improves network efficiency
• Network provides voice and data communications from 64 regional FAA sites

Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS), an international communications and information technology company, will continue to shape Alaska's air transportation system as part of a 10-year, $85 million contract awarded to the company by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).  The contract has a five-year base, with five one-year options.

As the prime contractor for the Alaskan Satellite Telecommunications Infrastructure (ASTI) program, Harris will replace and upgrade the existing satellite communications network that links the Alaskan Air Route Traffic Control Center in Anchorage with 64 FAA facilities throughout the region, including 59 remote sites, three flight service stations (FSSs), and a test and training facility (TTF).

The ASTI program will provide increased network performance and availability while reducing the FAA's cost of operating and maintaining the current Alaskan National Airspace System Interfacility Communication System (ANICS).  This infrastructure provides Alaska with 90 percent of its inter-facility communications for critical, essential and routine air traffic control services supporting commercial aviation.  

Under the ASTI program, Harris will replace and upgrade ANICS system components that have become obsolete or have been affected by the harsh Alaskan weather, as well as provide a new network management system, system security enhancements, logistics support and training.

"The ASTI program builds on Harris' communication networks and Air Traffic Control systems expertise with the FAA and the Alaskan aviation community", said John O'Sullivan, vice president, Harris Mission Critical Networks.  "We operate the FAA's nationwide telecommunications network and were the original supplier of their ANICS network. We know the vital importance of communications to the FAA's mission and the trust the FAA puts in us to ensure that new technology is transitioned in a manner that does not impact Alaskan air traffic operations."  

Harris teammates on the ASTI program include General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies, General DataComm, Comtech EF Data Corporation, DHL Logistics and Rockwell Collins Satellite Communications Services.

Harris has extensive experience developing solutions for the FAA.  In addition to ASTI, and ANICS, Harris also is the prime contractor for the FAA's Operational and Supportability Implementation System (OASIS), which provides integrated weather briefing and flight planning capabilities for preflight weather briefings and in-flight updates for Alaska's general aviation community.  Other FAA programs developed by Harris include the FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure (FTI) and the Weather and Radar Processor (WARP), a weather system serving the en-route air traffic control environment; and the Voice Switching and Control System (VSCS), which provides critical air-to-ground communications links between en-route aircraft and air traffic controllers throughout the continental United States.

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 $6 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. Statements about the expected value of the program to Harris are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties. 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