MELBOURNE, Fla. and ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Highlights:

  • New portable device simplifies process of encrypting radios in the heat of battle.
  • Easy-to-use, small, single-button programmable device quickly loads encryption keys into radios in the field.
  • Demonstrates Harris leadership in providing innovative solutions to challenges facing today's military forces.


Harris Corporation (NYSE: HRS), an international communications and information technology company, has received a $5.9 million order from the U.S. Navy for its KIK-11 Tactical Key Loader --  a new lightweight device that simplifies the process of loading classified key fill material into military radios and other end cryptographic units.  The initial delivery order was placed against a recently signed $59.7 million indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract.

The Navy is acquiring the Tactical Key Loader (TKL) for use with current and future deployed tactical radios.  The TKL is a rugged, easy-to-use, small-form factor, single-button programmable device that quickly loads encryption keys into radios in the field.

Encryption keys are a crucial aspect of information security in the delivery of assured communications to military personnel.  The key converts a sender's "plain-text" messages into encrypted form, then decrypts them at the receiver's end so the messages can be read or heard.

"The KIK-11 is an important new device that will enable forces at the tactical edge to quickly and dynamically load encryption keys into their radios, or change them when the original keys have been compromised," said Brendan O'Connell, president, Department of Defense business, Harris RF Communications.  "The KIK-11 is portable, lightweight and fast to power-on, providing military forces with faster, more reliable and more secure communications."

Harris' proven Sierra II™ ASIC is the cryptographic module in the KIK-11 TKL platform.  The KIK-11 is a crypto-modernization compliant replacement for the legacy KYK-13 fill device.  The KIK-11 supports all legacy and modern key fill interfaces and protocols, as well as a USB/RS-232 and works with existing and future KMI-compliant key distribution architectures.  Harris is expecting NSA certification in early calendar year 2012 with product availability soon thereafter.  

Harris RF Communications is the leading global supplier of secure radio communications and embedded high-grade encryption solutions for military, government and commercial organizations.  The company's Falcon® family of software-defined tactical radio systems encompasses manpack, handheld and vehicular applications.  Falcon III® is the next generation of radios supporting the U.S. military's Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) requirements, as well as network-centric operations worldwide.  Harris RF Communications is also a leading supplier of assured communications® systems and equipment for public safety, utility and transportation markets — with products ranging from the most advanced IP voice and data networks to portable and mobile single- and multiband radios.

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

Copyright 2011 PR Newswire

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