Exelis, Harris receive new radio orders

FORT WAYNE, Ind., Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Both Exelis and the Harris Corp. have separately reported this week the receipt of contracts for radio systems worth more than $250 million.

Exelis said it will provide an existing, unidentified international customer with additional communications equipment, spare parts, ancillary devices and operator training as part of a U.S. foreign military sales deal.

The contract carries a value of $115 million.

"This is a key award for Exelis from an existing international customer," said Nick Bobay, the president and general manager of Exelis Night Vision and Tactical Communications Systems. "Our widely fielded and combat-proven SINCGARS [single channel ground and airborne radio system] continues to be the communications backbone for this force, and they are now integrating our SpearNet [radio system] into their network as well.

"This is a tremendous vote of confidence in the breadth of communications equipment that Exelis currently offers."

Among components being provided are the RT-1702 SINCGARS in the VRC-90 System, and the VRC-92 Dual Long Range Radio System configurations with installation kits and spares to support both systems.

Also included PRC-119 Manpack Radio Systems with Global Positioning System and Spearhead handheld radios systems with accessories.

The number of radio systems to be supplied and their delivery schedule were not disclosed.

The Harris Corp. said its contract came from the U.S. Army for mid-tier networking vehicular radios, which are two-channel systems based on the company's Falco III wideband networking technology.

The contract includes an initial order for 232 units for an Army network integration evaluation next year.

The indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity award has a potential value of $140 million.