MELBOURNE, Fla., July 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --
Highlights:
- Infrastructure replaces/upgrades ground segment of FAA's
existing satellite communications network in Alaska
- Next-generation technology enhances reliability, provides cost
savings and improves network efficiency
- Network provides voice and data communications from 64 regional
FAA sites
Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS), an international communications
and information technology company, will continue to shape
Alaska's air transportation system
as part of a 10-year, $85 million
contract awarded to the company by the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA). The contract has a five-year base, with
five one-year options.
As the prime contractor for the Alaskan Satellite
Telecommunications Infrastructure (ASTI) program, Harris will
replace and upgrade the existing satellite communications network
that links the Alaskan Air Route Traffic Control Center in
Anchorage with 64 FAA facilities
throughout the region, including 59 remote sites, three flight
service stations (FSSs), and a test and training facility
(TTF).
The ASTI program will provide increased network performance and
availability while reducing the FAA's cost of operating and
maintaining the current Alaskan National Airspace System
Interfacility Communication System (ANICS). This
infrastructure provides Alaska
with 90 percent of its inter-facility communications for critical,
essential and routine air traffic control services supporting
commercial aviation.
Under the ASTI program, Harris will replace and upgrade ANICS
system components that have become obsolete or have been affected
by the harsh Alaskan weather, as well as provide a new network
management system, system security enhancements, logistics support
and training.
"The ASTI program builds on Harris' communication networks and
Air Traffic Control systems expertise with the FAA and the Alaskan
aviation community", said John O'Sullivan, vice president, Harris
Mission Critical Networks. "We operate the FAA's nationwide
telecommunications network and were the original supplier of their
ANICS network. We know the vital importance of communications to
the FAA's mission and the trust the FAA puts in us to ensure that
new technology is transitioned in a manner that does not impact
Alaskan air traffic operations."
Harris teammates on the ASTI program include General Dynamics
SATCOM Technologies, General DataComm, Comtech EF Data Corporation,
DHL Logistics and Rockwell Collins Satellite Communications
Services.
Harris has extensive experience developing solutions for the
FAA. In addition to ASTI, and ANICS, Harris also is the prime
contractor for the FAA's Operational and Supportability
Implementation System (OASIS), which provides integrated weather
briefing and flight planning capabilities for preflight weather
briefings and in-flight updates for Alaska's general aviation community.
Other FAA programs developed by Harris include the FAA
Telecommunications Infrastructure (FTI) and the Weather and Radar
Processor (WARP), a weather system serving the en-route air traffic
control environment; and the Voice Switching and Control System
(VSCS), which provides critical air-to-ground communications links
between en-route aircraft and air traffic controllers throughout
the continental United States.
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