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Harris Corporation Awarded $30 Million Contract for Intra-Flight Data Link Components Onboard F-35 Joint Strike Fighter WASHINGTON, May 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harris Corporation , a world leader in advanced avionics for military aircraft, today announced that it was awarded a six-year, $30.7 million contract by Northrop Grumman Space Technology to design and develop hardware components for the Intra-Flight Data Link (IFDL) system for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). Harris estimates that its avionics work on the F-35 JSF program could exceed $2.5 billion by 2026. The announcement was made during the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) TechNet International 2004 conference (Harris Booth #222), held May 11-13, 2004 at the Washington D.C. Convention Center.Under terms of the contract, Harris will provide the remote electronics for the aircraft, including the phased array antenna and antenna interface hardware for Northrop Grumman Space Technology's IFDL system. Northrop Grumman's IFDL system utilizes sophisticated data link design and software- defined radio technology to enable advanced communications within and among formations, or "flights" of F-35 aircraft. This capability significantly enhances situational awareness and operational effectiveness for F-35 pilots, providing unmatched levels of connectivity during flight operations. Equipment delivered under this contract will support aircraft that support the formal flight and subsystems testing of all three variants of the F-35. The contract spans through 2009, with initial delivery of flight-ready hardware expected in 2007. Successful testing of this system could lead to production contracts for 2,593 aircraft to be used by the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and the United Kingdom. Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 in conjunction with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE SYSTEMS. Companies worldwide are participating in the F-35's development. Among the aircraft that the F-35 will replace are the AV-8B Harrier, A-10, F-16, and F/A-18, as well as the United Kingdom's Harrier GR.7 and Sea Harrier. The new, stealthy F-35 aircraft is designed to be a highly sophisticated, survivable weapon system that meets multiple military service performance requirements while achieving strict affordability targets. Harris GCSD, one of five divisions within Harris Corporation, conducts advanced research studies, develops prototypes, and produces and supports state-of-the-art, assured communications(TM) systems and information solutions that solve the mission-critical communications challenges of its military and government customers, while serving as the technology base for the company's diverse commercial businesses. Harris Corporation, which also provides tactical radio, broadcast, microwave, and network support products and systems, serves customers in more than 150 countries. Additional information about Harris can be found at http://www.harris.com/ Sound interesting? Find great jobs at Harris: http://www.careers.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. Harris Corporation CONTACT: Sleighton Meyer, Government Communications Systems Division,+1-321-727-6514, or [email protected], or Tom Hausman, Corporate Headquarters,+1-321-727-9131, or [email protected], both of Harris Corporation Web site: http://www.harris.com/ |