Friday, April 23, 2010

Harris Corporation Awarded $18 Million Follow-on Production Contract for MIDS Military Tactical Communications System


Defense News: MELBOURNE, Fla., April 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS - News) has received a two-year, $18 million follow-on contract from ViaSat Inc. (Nasdaq:VSAT - News) for additional hardware to be integrated into Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) terminals. MIDS terminals provide military forces with high-capacity, jam-resistant, digital communication links to exchange near real-time tactical information, including both data and voice – among users in the air, on ground and at sea. The follow-on award brings the overall value of the contract for Harris to $192 million since 2000.

Harris is providing an enhanced voice card, power supply assemblies, processor modules and the chassis for each of the terminals, as well as comprehensive environmental testing of the completed assemblies for ViaSat's MIDS Low Volume Terminal (LVT). The LVT provides U.S. military forces with voice and data transmission capabilities based on Link 16 protocol requirements for digital tactical communications.

Most of today's U.S. Air Force and NATO fighter aircraft have voice and/or limited data communications capabilities that can only connect with selected aircraft. MIDS provides interoperable data communications that link fighter aircraft to airborne controllers, surveillance radars, collection assets and ground-based command and control nodes. The MIDS LVT Link 16 protocol provides combat aircraft with integrated information from the battlefield, including threat and targeting data in near real-time. All U.S.-allied nations are high-potential customers for the MIDS application.

"The MIDS program combines the very best of Harris Corporation's proven expertise in communications systems integration, and highlights the success of the strong, long-term partnership we have with ViaSat," said Wes Covell, president, Harris Defense Programs. "The ViaSat/Harris team continues its commitment to providing superior, interoperable, tactical communications to the warfighter."

The ViaSat/Harris team is under contract to the U.S. Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) for full-rate production of various models of MIDS, which are installed in military aircraft such as the U.S. Navy F/A-18 and the U.S. Air Force F-16, and also used in ground-based applications in shelters, vehicles and weapon systems such as the Patriot missile defense system.

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 in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $5 billion of annual revenue and more than 15,000 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 Statement

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.

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