Harris to build HF radio adaptor kits for Army

Harris Corp. will provide the Army with high-frequency radio adaptor kits for its mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles under a $42 million contract.

According to the purchase agreement, Harris will deliver 1,400 Harris Falcon II vehicular adapter systems to the Army for installation in its MRAP vehicles. The adapters include power amplifiers, filters, antenna systems, mounting hardware, connector cables and installation components for the Falcon II manpack, a secure, encryption-certified high-frequency radio.

The technology provides the Army with secure, mobile beyond-line-of-site communications without the use of satellites, said George Helm, vice president and general manager of U.S. government products at Harris RF Communications.

Delivery of the radio systems will be expedited because the MRAP program is a highest-priority procurement for the Defense Department, company officials said. MRAPs' V-shaped hulls and raised chassis are designed to withstand the effects of explosions.

Harris, of Melbourne, Fla., ranks No. 13 on Washington Technology's 2008 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.