MELBOURNE, Fla., 5 Oct. 2012.Harris Corp. (NYSE:HRS) won a $331 million Data Communications Integrated Services (DCIS) contract to provide reliable air and ground data communications (DataComm) services under a key Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) program.
DataComm is an essential element of the FAA's Next Generation Air Transport System (NextGen) initiative to transform the U.S. air traffic control system to meet future requirements, explains a spokesperson.
DCIS, a key component of the FAA's DataComm program, will automate many routine air traffic control (ATC) and en route voice communications with specialized data messaging equivalents. The goal is to ensure more reliable ATC communications, enable trajectory-based routing, and improve arrival and departure routes, thereby saving fuel and reducing emissions.
"DCIS lays the groundwork for the move from traditional air traffic control to more active air traffic management," says John O'Sullivan, vice president, Mission Critical Networks, Harris Government Communications Systems. "Our approach to this effort reflects the same high standards that Harris adopted during the successful FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure (FTI) program, which the FAA has called a model of government and industry partnership."
