MELBOURNE, Fla., April 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harris
Corporation (NYSE: HRS) has received a two-year, $18 million follow-on contract from ViaSat Inc.
(Nasdaq: VSAT) for additional hardware to be integrated into
Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) terminals.
MIDS terminals provide military forces with high-capacity,
jam-resistant, digital communication links to exchange near
real-time tactical information, including both data and voice –
among users in the air, on ground and at sea. The follow-on
award brings the overall value of the contract for Harris to
$192 million since 2000.
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 MIDS Low Volume Terminal (LVT).
The LVT provides U.S. military forces with voice and data
transmission capabilities based on Link 16 protocol requirements
for digital tactical communications.
Most of today's U.S. Air Force and NATO fighter aircraft have
voice and/or limited data communications capabilities that can only
connect with 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 high-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 partnership we have
with ViaSat," said Wes Covell,
president, Harris Defense Programs. "The ViaSat/Harris team
continues its commitment to providing superior, interoperable,
tactical communications 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 missile defense system.
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.
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.
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.
SOURCE Harris Corporation