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