Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company, has been awarded a contract to provide a back-up Air Traffic Control (ATC) system for Baghdad International Airport in Iraq.

Harris will supply a back-up Liberty-STAR™ Voice Communication and Control System (VCCS) to the primary Liberty-STAR™ VCCS previously installed by Harris.

Featuring a modular architecture, open-platform software and commercial-off-the-shelf hardware, the Liberty STARTM delivers a reliable, scalable communications solution for ATC towers, airline and area control dispatch, flight service stations, and mobile shelters.

The back-up system at Baghdad International will be equipped with touch-screen operator positions, radio interfaces, telephone interfaces, and a System Maintenance, Administration and Reconfiguration Terminal (SMART) POSITION™. Harris' in-country contractor will install the system and provide operation and maintenance training for Iraqi air traffic controllers and technical staff.

“This latest award expands the company's presence in the rebuilding nation and provides Baghdad International with another mission-critical service. The Liberty-STAR provides ATC personnel with a powerful, cost-effective back-up solution that they are familiar with, enabling them to concentrate on maintaining safe and secure airways in and around Baghdad,” said John O'Sullivan, Vice President, Harris Mission Critical Networks.

Harris has extensive experience developing mission-critical solutions that support civil and military air traffic control operations worldwide, including more than 200 customers in 50 countries. In addition to Baghdad, Harris has supplied ATC communications systems to other cities in Iraq including Basra, Taji and Tikrit.

Regionally, Harris has provided systems to other countries, including Afghanistan, Oman, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia.