MADRID–(BUSINESS WIRE)–(Harris Booth #426) – Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) has been selected to supply a next-generation, VoIP communications system to support the United Kingdom’s air traffic management (ATM) services. Harris was selected following a rigorous review by NATS – the UK’s air navigation service provider (ANSP). The announcement was made during the World ATM Congress being held March 8-10 at the IFEMA Feria de Madrid.

Harris will provide NATS with its cloud-based Voice Communications System for the 21st Century (VCS21). The VCS21™ system modernizes ATM programs by delivering net-centric voice communications that reduce dependency on traditional point-to-point communications, while supporting an efficient transition to IP-based communications. It will be installed at three facilities in the UK, and will include more than 600 controller working positions that can access up to 2,000 radios across NATS control operations.

“This upgrade to our voice communications system is part of a wider piece of work that will see us transform how we manage air traffic in the UK over the next five years,” said Martin Rolfe, NATS Chief Executive Officer. “It’s a hugely ambitious programme that will offer major benefits for our airline and airport customers. As such we need trusted partners like Harris with a proven track record of delivery and we’re delighted to be working with them on such an integral project.”

“We were impressed by Harris because of their reputation for performance and capability coupled with their ability to work collaboratively alongside the rest of our supply chain,” added Tim Bullock, NATS Supply Chain Director.

The VCS21 system will be part of the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) project, a collaborative initiative to modernize European airspace and air traffic control. NATS plans to invest nearly $1 billion in new technologies over the next five years to enable SESAR and other future concepts. VCS21 is a major step in this program – providing important networked voice capabilities that are more resilient, more cost effective and will enable dynamic rerouting of established flight sectors, more reliable contingency planning, and improved asset sharing that facilitates both flexible airspace use and future facility planning.

“With this award, the Harris VCS21 system is now supporting two of the world’s premier ANSPs – NATS and the FAA – that are at the forefront of modernizing ATM worldwide,” said Ed Sayadian, president, Harris Mission Networks. “VCS21 will be a key enabler of modernization and growth, offering features that support future air traffic operations and an architecture that ensures higher system reliability and availability.”

About Harris Corporation

Harris Corporation is a leading technology innovator, solving our customers’ toughest mission-critical challenges by providing solutions that connect, inform and protect. Harris supports customers in more than 125 countries, has approximately $8 billion in annual revenue and 22,000 employees worldwide. The company is organized into four business segments: Communication Systems, Space and Intelligence Systems, Electronic Systems, and Critical Networks. Learn more at 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 value or expected value of orders, contracts or programs are forward-looking and involve risk and uncertainties. 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.