[SatNews] Harris Corporation received a vote of confidence for the Australian Department of Defence Land 200 communications modernization program. In the form of a $9.5 million, three-year contract from Elbit Systems, Harris will provide engineering services to support the Australia Department of Defence Land 200 communications modernization program. Harris will integrate its Falcon(R) tactical radio systems into the Battle Management System being developed by Elbit for the Australian Defence Forces (ADF).

"Harris Corporation will apply its broad expertise in tactical communication systems to insure seamless exchanges of voice and data between our Falcon radios and the ADF's new battle management hub," said Andy Start, president, international business, Harris RF Communications. "As the leading provider of tactical communications, we're uniquely capable of providing our customers with fully deployable system-level solutions that meet today's requirements and tomorrow's needs."

Harris radio systems will form part of the secure communications backbone for the ADF's Land 75, Land 125 and Joint Project 2072 command, control and communications modernization programs. The systems wirelessly connect soldiers to each other, their commanders and other devices in the field. The Harris systems, which include Type 1 security devices, antennas and power amplifiers, will help the ADF provide networking capabilities that enhance situational awareness and speed decision-making.

The largest part of the contract is for the Falcon III AN/PRC-152( C ). In dismounted configuration, the AN/PRC-152( C ) will connect soldiers to the ADF's central Battle Management System and serve as a hub for other soldier-carried C4 devices. In addition, Harris is providing the AN/PRC-152( C ) in vehicular amplifier adapters to support the installation of equipment in more than 1,000 armored vehicles.

The Falcon III® AN/PRC-152 single-channel multiband, multimission handheld radio is providing the optimal transition to JTRS technology. Already in use by all branches of the U.S. Department of Defense, many of its allies, and U.S. federal agencies, the software upgradeable AN/PRC-152 satisfies the evolving mission requirements of warfighters by delivering secure, real-time information and communication at all points of need during coordination, combat, and crisis.

Harris RF Communications is the leading global supplier of secure radio communications and embedded high-grade encryption solutions for military government and commercial organizations. The company's Falcon family of software-defined tactical radio systems encompasses manpack, handheld and vehicular applications. Falcon III is the next generation of radios supporting the U.S. military's Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) requirements, as well as network-centric operations worldwide. Harris RF Communications is also a leading supplier of assured communications(R) systems and equipment for public safety, utility and transportation markets, with products ranging from the most advanced IP voice and data networks to portable and mobile single- and multiband radios.