Harris tapped for aircraft protection hardware

June 5 (UPI) -- The Defense Department on Monday announced a modification to a Pentagon contract for technology designed to shield aircraft from radio frequency threats.

The deal worth more than $18.6 million enables the Harris Corporation to provide sustainment services for the ALQ-172 self-protection integrated radio frequency subsystem, according to a Pentagon press release.

The ALQ-172 subsystem, used on the B-52 Stratofortress, special operation C-130 Combat Talons and Spectre gunships, is designed to provide aircraft with protection from radio frequency threats by countering enemy signals that send out continuous pulse Doppler and monopulse threats, said a Harris fact sheet.

The contract modification provides for two additional 12-month ordering periods, which extends the total period of performance to September 2020. The modification also surges the overall cumulative value of the deal to more than $90.1 million.

Work on the contract will occur in Clifton, N.J., the Pentagon said. No funds will be obligated to Harris Corp. at time of award.