HRS Harris Corp.

MELBOURNE, Fla., March 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS), an international communications and information technology company, has received a four-year, $33.5 million follow-on contract from ViaSat, Inc. (NASDAQ:VSAT) for additional hardware for integration into the Multifunctional Information Distribution System terminals that provide U.S. military forces with secure, jam-resistant digital tactical communications. The follow-on award brings the overall value of the contract to Harris to $140 million. Harris is providing an enhanced voice card, power supply assemblies, processor modules, and the chassis for each of the terminals, as well as comprehensive environmental testing of the completed assemblies for ViaSat's Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Low Volume Terminal (LVT), which provides U.S. military forces with voice and data transmission capabilities based on the Link-16 protocol for digital tactical communications. Most U.S. Air Force and NATO fighter aircraft today have only voice or limited data communications capabilities that can connect with only selected aircraft. MIDS provides interoperable data communications that link fighter aircraft to airborne controllers, surveillance radars, collection assets, and ground-based command and control nodes. The MIDS LVT Link-16 protocol provides combat aircraft with integrated information from the battlefield, including threat and targeting data in near real-time. All U.S.-allied nations are strong potential customers for the MIDS application. "The MIDS program combines the very best of Harris Corporation's proven expertise in communications systems integration, and highlights the success of the strong, long-term relationship we have with ViaSat," said Sheldon Fox, vice president and general manager of Department of Defense Programs, Harris Government Communications Systems Division. "The ViaSat/Harris team continues its commitment to providing superior, interoperable, tactical communications solutions to the warfighter." The ViaSat/Harris team is under contract to the U.S. Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) for full-rate production of various models of MIDS, which are installed in military aircraft such as the U.S. Navy F/A-18 and the U.S. Air Force F-16, and also used in ground-based applications in shelters, vehicles and weapon systems such as the Patriot. About ViaSat Inc. (http://www.viasat.com/) ViaSat produces innovative satellite and other communications products that enable fast, secure, and efficient communications to any location. The company provides networking products and managed network services for enterprise IP applications; is a key supplier of network-centric military communications and encryption technologies to the U.S. government; and is the primary technology partner for gateway and customer-premises equipment for consumer and mobile satellite broadband services. 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 annual revenue of about $4 billion and more than 14,000 employees - including more than 6,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications(TM) products, systems, and services for global markets, including government communications, RF communications, broadcast communications, and wireless transmission network solutions. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at http://www.harris.com/ Sound interesting? Find great jobs at Harris: http://www.careers.harris.com/ Forward-Looking Statement 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. Other factors that may impact the company's results and forward-looking statement may be disclosed in the company's filings with the SEC. 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. DATASOURCE: Harris Corporation CONTACT: Sleighton Meyer, Government Communications Systems Division, +1-321-727-6514, , or Brent Dietz, Corporate Headquarters, +1-321-724-3554, , both of Harris Corporation Web site: http://www.harris.com/ http://www.viasat.com/

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