FAA selects Harris Corporation to provide new national ATC communications system

MELBOURNE, Fla., 29 Aug. 2012. Harris Corp. (NYSE:HRS), an international communications and information technology company, has been chosen by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide the communications network that will serve as part of NextGen, the FAA's initiative to transform the U.S. air traffic control system (ATC) to meet future requirements. The selection comes in the form of a 15-year, $291 million contract to Harris.

Under the National Airspace System Voice System (NVS) contract, Harris will provide a secure, Internet Protocol (IP)-based voice communications network based on its VCS21 family of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) voice communication solutions. NVS will be installed in ATC facilities across the U.S., creating a modern voice network for communications between air traffic controllers, pilots and ground personnel.

The Harris system is replacing legacy technology with an IP-based network that can support the FAA's migration to NextGen.

The VCS21 hosts the features of legacy ATC systems, including the current Harris Voice Switching Control System (VSCS), onto an IP platform with improved management and control capabilities. VSCS was awarded to Harris in 1992 and is still operational today.

Harris will integrate voice communications systems at ATC facilities nationwide. The company also will provide remote radio equipment and network integration and management services. This communication system will operate as a fully networked voice enterprise, enabling enhanced capabilities for business continuity planning, asset sharing, and future facilities.