Published: September 10, 2008
Harris Corporation Awarded $53 Million Production Contract for U.S. Navy MH-60R Helicopter Data Link
MELBOURNE, Fla., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harris Corporation
(NYSE: HRS), an international communications and information technology
company, has been awarded a $53 million contract modification by the U.S. Navy
to produce the Ku-band Common Data Link (CDL) Hawklink system for the MH-60R
Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) helicopter. Hawklink is a high-
speed digital data link that transmits tactical video, radar, acoustic and
other sensor data from MH-60R helicopters to their host surface ships. The
CDL Hawklink program could exceed $350 million by 2015 if the Navy exercises
all options to equip as many as 350 aircraft and ships, including Arleigh
Burke-class destroyers and Ticonderoga-class cruisers.
During this 3-year phase of the program, Harris and teammate BAE Systems
will produce AN/SRQ-4 (Ku) field change kits that will be used to retrofit
ships, and to provide AN/ARQ-58 Radio Terminal Sets for MH-60R aircraft.
Contract provisions also include integrated logistics support and analysis,
sustaining engineering, training, non-recurring and recurring engineering
changes, and technical, administrative, and financial data.
Harris is the prime contractor for the CDL Hawklink program. This award
is the continuation of a multi-year development effort between the Navy,
Harris and BAE Systems that began in 1999 to prove the feasibility of using
Tactical Common Data Links for the LAMPS application. As teammates during the
development effort, Harris and BAE Systems successfully demonstrated an
operational system consisting of both an airborne terminal and a shipboard
terminal.
The MH-60R LAMPS helicopter will provide battle-group protection and add
significant capability during coastal, littoral and regional conflicts. The
AN/ARQ-58 CDL Hawklink will replace: (1) existing C-band AN/ARQ-44 data links
on LAMPS helicopters and (2) upgrade existing C-band AN/SRQ-4 links on surface
ships with a AN/SRQ-4 (Ku) conversion kit. Current LAMPS-equipped support
ship classes include DDG 51, FFG 7 and CG 47.
With the ability to transmit over distances greater than 100 nautical
miles at data rates exceeding 21 megabits per second, the CDL Hawklink will
eliminate interference through use of Cooperative Engagement Capability;
improve fleet interoperable communications; improve bandwidth capability of
the LAMPS system; and facilitate transition to a network-centric architecture
as the baseline for fleet CDL interoperability.
"We are very pleased to continue the production and testing of the
Hawklink system, enabling delivery of the most advanced intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance networking data links to the Navy," said Wes
Covell, president of Harris Defense Programs. "We look forward to continuing
our close working relationship with the Navy and BAE Systems."
Harris Defense Programs develops, supplies, and integrates communications
and information processing products, systems, and networks for a diverse base
of aerospace, terrestrial and maritime applications supporting U.S. Department
of Defense missions. Harris is committed to delivering leading-edge
technologies that support the military's ongoing transformation to network-
centric communications.
About Harris Corporation
Harris is an international communications and information technology
company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries.
Headquartered inMelbourne, Florida, the company has annual revenue of more
than $5.3 billion and 16,500 employees - including nearly 7,000 engineers and
scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured
communications(R) 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. Other factors that may
impact the company's results and forward-looking statement may be disclosed in
the company's filings with the SEC. 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
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