Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) is presenting the design of its portable, emergency air traffic communications and control solution for low-altitude rescue aircraft during the 53rd Annual ATCA Conference and Exposition in Washington D.C., from November 2nd through 5th.

The Harris Emergency Management Operations and Control System (EMOCS) design addresses the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) requirement for on-site air traffic control of low-altitude planes and helicopters deployed by government and civil first responders during a disaster. Implementation of this capability, designed to coordinate the movement of aircraft operating at altitudes of less than 2,000 feet, would significantly decrease the probability of crashes. This is a packaged solution that can be deployed in a shelter, vehicle, or shipping container to provide instant, on-site operations, communications, command and control of rescue aircraft, and real-time collaboration with emergency response teams. In addition to providing emergency communications and navigation in the low-altitude airspace, the EMOCS can provide situational awareness and weather information. The solution leverages the radio communications and networking technology resident in the Harris self-contained border security shelter solution to provide communications among all first responders in the air and on the ground. Satellite links tie the EMOCS into the existing National Airspace System's (NAS) traffic control network. The Harris EMOCS capability is in development as part of a study contract awarded in November 2007 by the Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO). An initial trial of the solution will take place in a major U.S. city once the study is complete.

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