Harris scores $291M to provide network for FAA's NextGen initiative

Harris Corp. has won a $291 million contract to provide the communications network for NextGen, a Federal Aviation Administration initiative meant to transform the U.S. air traffic control system to meet future requirements, the company said.

The National Airspace System Voice System contract will last 15 years. Harris will also provide remote radio equipment and network integration and management services.

Under the contract, Harris will provide a secure, Internet Protocol-based voice communications network that will be integrated into air traffic control facilities across the United States, which will create a modern voice network for communications between air traffic controllers, pilots and ground personal, the company said.

The network itself will have the Harris Voice Switching Control system and has enhanced management and control capabilities. It will additionally operate as a fully networked voice enterprise, the company said.

Other major FAA projects Harris has taken on include the FAA Telecommuncations Infrastructure program, which connects 4,300 FAA and DOD facilities. Harris also developed the weather and radar processor, which provides information data to air traffic contollers.