Harris Corporation Demonstrates Highband Networking Radio Systems at U.S. Army’s C4ISR On-The-Move Event ’08

Army/Industry Event Tested Transformational Warfighting Technologies

Harris Corporation’s (NYSE:HRS) new Highband Networking RadioTM (HNRTM) provided interoperable, long-range backbone communications for stationary, on-the-move and airborne platforms, including the Boeing A160T “Hummingbird” Unmanned Aerial System, at the U.S. Army’s C4ISR On-the-Move Event at Fort Dix, New Jersey. The radio was co-developed with BAE Systems. The event was held this past summer and marked the Army’s largest-ever Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) and networking technology demonstration.

The airborne communications layer provided by the A160T Hummingbird unmanned aerial system allowed Harris to demonstrate the system’s ability to bridge air/ground communications between two geographically dispersed networks. The Army exercise also demonstrated that the Harris system could operate in both C-band and Ku-band simultaneously within a single, integrated network, thereby providing Brigade-and-above echelon commands with robust communications for tactical operations. During the exercise, 11 C-band and Ku-band HNR systems were demonstrated. Harris intends to support and participate in C4ISR OTM E09 and continue to leverage its relevant environment to further develop and accelerate features and capabilities in the HNR system.

“The performance achieved by the Highband Networking Radio in the C4ISR OTM event was an important milestone in the production of this product and provides continued validation of the capabilities of the Harris-developed Highband Networking WaveformTM in a variety of applications,” said Wes Covell, president of Defense Programs for Harris Government Communications Systems. “Events such as this enable us to aid the Army in understanding how best to utilize the unique capabilities that the Highband Networking Radio brings to the warfighter, and at the same time, we have the opportunity to observe its use and performance in a tactical scenario with real soldiers in a relevant environment.”

The Highband Networking Radio integrates directive-beam technology with mobile, ad hoc mesh networking, and achieves burst data rates of up to 54 Mbps. It has been implemented on a variety of fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and airship platforms, including piloted aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems. Applications of the Highband Networking Waveform and HNR extend to numerous scenarios, including terrestrial tactical communications augmented by air-to-ground and air-to-air nodes, as well as air-and-missile defense missions. The waveform and radio also can be used to extend the battlespace network into the maritime force contingent, connecting expeditionary forces with near-shore support and blue-water platforms. HNR was recently deployed to the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Assault Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team in Baghdad.

The Highband Networking Waveform implements robust, agile, full mesh, ad hoc networks for terrestrial and airborne applications. The waveform enables autonomous selection of the best communications path by creating a self-forming, self-healing network where nodes can enter and exit without fixed-network infrastructure or operator intervention.

Harris Defense Programs develops, supplies, and integrates communications and information processing products, systems, and networks for a diverse base of aerospace, terrestrial and maritime applications supporting U.S. Department of Defense missions. Harris is committed to delivering leading-edge technologies that support the military’s ongoing transformation to network-centric communications.