WASHINGTON, July 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harris
Corporation (NYSE: HRS) today successfully demonstrated how
existing, proven communications technology can launch the Federal
Aviation Administration's (FAA's) transition from analog voice
communications to digital data communications between pilots and
air traffic controllers. The use of data communications is
expected to significantly increase the efficiency and safety of the
Air Traffic Control (ATC) system.
Representatives of the FAA, the aerospace industry, and various
industry standards and user committees attended the demonstration,
held at the company's offices in Washington, D.C.
Harris is heading an industry leading team pursuing the FAA's
Data Communications Network Service (DCNS) contract, a critical
next step in advancing the nation's aviation system into the
digital era. Data Communications is part of the FAA's Next
Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) initiative to
modernize the nation's ATC system. If selected, Harris will
provide integration and engineering services for the program.
The Harris team includes ARINC, an internationally
established provider of data networks and related technologies that
connect commercial flight crews to ground operations anywhere in
the world.
During the demonstration, Future Air Navigation System (FANS)
messages were successfully transmitted at the touch of a button
over ARINC's operational VHF Digital Link Mode 2 (VDL Mode 2)
network between simulated ATC operations in Harris' Washington, D.C. facility and the cockpit of a
Gulfstream aircraft at an airport
in southeastern U.S. Simultaneously, the SITA operational VDL
Mode 2 network exchanged FANS messages between simulated ATC
operations in the Harris facility and Airbus avionics equipment
located at a ground station in Western
Europe.
Animations, coupled with live cockpit video, provided attendees
with a detailed scenario of how the data would flow within the
National Airspace System (NAS). Despite widespread use of
digital data transmission via ARINC and SITA VHF networks, the NAS
currently uses primarily analog voice communications for ATC.
Today's analog voice communications between controllers and air
crews consume valuable time and can lead to errors in translation
or interpretation. Using data communications for emerging
NextGen applications, such as trajectory-based operations, will
enable aircraft to fly more direct routes, saving both time and
fuel.
In addition to supporting new capabilities, data communications
will automate defined, repetitive tasks, and will enable ground
systems to use real-time aircraft data to improve traffic
management. Pilots and controllers will no longer have to
verbally contact each other for such routine tasks as requesting
departure clearances or frequency transfers.
"This is available technology that will enable the FAA to begin
a successful, early transition to comprehensive data connectivity,"
said John O'Sullivan, vice president, Mission Critical Networks,
Harris Government Communications Systems. "Our demonstration
shows that the Harris Data Comm team has a complete, viable,
low-risk solution that utilizes proven operational networks.
This means that the transition can begin with minimal
investment, and continue to evolve to meet new requirements."
Harris has a long history of developing and integrating system
solutions for the FAA and the global ATC network. In addition
to its work as prime contractor and system architect for the FAA
Telecommunications Infrastructure (FTI) network, Harris has
developed numerous other ATC communications products, systems and
weather information solutions.
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