Harris tunes in Marine radio deal

Harris Corp. received a $205 million, five-year contract to provide radio systems to the U.S. Marine Corps multiband, multimission radio standardization program, the company announced Wednesday.

The company also received an initial $67 million order for about 3,000 units under the blanket purchase agreement. Harris started delivering the radio systems this month.

Under the contract, Harris will supply its Falcon II AN/PRC-117F(C) manpack and AN/VRC-103(V) vehicular radio systems. The manpack is an advanced multiband tactical radio that covers the entire 30 to 512 megahertz frequency spectrum. The vehicular product is a fully integrated compact communications system that includes the tactical radio and a multiband power amplifier. It also covers the entire 30 to 512 megahertz range.

The Marine Corps will use the radios to upgrade and replace its legacy tactical radio systems for active duty and reserve components. The radios also will be used for other Marine Corps programs.

The total quantity to be delivered under the blanket purchase agreement contract will depend on the mix of manpack and vehicular units, Harris said.

Based in Melborne, Fla., Harris develops communications products, including microwave, satellite and other wireless network transmission equipment, for government and commercial customers worldwide. It also makes air traffic control systems, mobile radio systems and digital network broadcasting and management systems.

Harris has 12,600 employees and posted revenue of more than $3 billion for its fiscal year 2005, which ended June 30. The company is No. 23 on Washington Technology's 2005 Top 100 list.