MELBOURNE, Fla., April 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harris
Corporation (NYSE: HRS) has completed the operational test of the
first U.S. Navy satellite communications terminal to simultaneously
provide standard military X-band communications and higher-speed
Ka-band communications through a single dual-band feed. The
AN/WSC-6G(V)9 terminal is designed for use onboard the Navy's
Arleigh Burke class of
guided-missile destroyers.
The addition of Ka-band capabilities to the terminals is
important because it enables the Navy fleet to take advantage of
the increased bandwidth and higher data rates available on the
next-generation Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite
constellation. WGS represents a major improvement in
communications bandwidth and can supply more than 10 times the
capacity of existing legacy systems.
Successful completion of the operational test, as well as
environmental qualification and military satellite certification,
enables the Navy to begin fielding systems. The milestone
represents the last phase of a 10-year, $172
million contract awarded to Harris in 2000 by the U.S. Navy
Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR), San Diego.
The Harris AN/WSC-6E(V)9 "Ka-ready" terminals currently
installed throughout the fleet can now be upgraded from C-/X-band
to include the Ka-band communications capabilities through
pier-side installation of a Ka-band electronics kit. Fielding
of Ka-band kits is expected to begin in the U.S. Government's
fiscal year 2011.
"Successful completion of this critical test is a defining
milestone in this program, which is designed to provide the Navy
with the best capabilities for its satellite communications network
backbone," said Wes Covell,
president, Harris Defense Programs. "This program is an
excellent example of the long-term confidence the Navy has in
Harris products and services, and of our commitment to being the
leading supplier of advanced satellite communications technology to
our naval forces."
Harris Defense Programs develops, supplies, and integrates
communications and information processing products, systems, and
networks for a diverse base of aerospace, terrestrial and maritime
applications supporting U.S. Department of Defense missions.
Harris is committed to delivering leading-edge technologies
that support the military's ongoing transformation to
network-centric communications.
A high-resolution photograph of the AN/WSC-6G(V)9 terminal is
available at
http://www.harris.com/harris/whats_new/WSC6V9E.jpg
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 15,000 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.
SOURCE Harris Corporation