Harris Corporation has been awarded a 15-year, $291 million contract to provide the communications network that will serve as the cornerstone of NextGen - the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) initiative to transform the U.S. air traffic control system to meet future requirements.

Under the National Airspace System Voice System (NVS) contract, Harris will provide a secure, Internet Protocol-based voice communications network based on its VCS21 family of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) voice communication solutions. NVS will be installed in air traffic control (ATC) facilities across the U.S., creating a modern voice network for critical communications between air traffic controllers, pilots and ground personnel.

The VCS21 hosts the proven features of legacy ATC systems, including the current Harris Voice Switching Control System (VSCS), onto an IP platform with enhanced management and control capabilities. VSCS was awarded to Harris in 1992 and is operational today.

Harris will integrate voice communications systems at ATC facilities nationwide. The company also will provide remote radio equipment and network integration and management services.

A key benefit of the Harris solution is that it will operate as a fully networked voice enterprise, enabling enhanced capabilities for business continuity planning, asset sharing, and future facilities.

“The Harris VCS21 solution replaces legacy technology with a dynamic, IP-based network that has the flexibility and security to support the FAA's migration to NextGen. We combined our substantial research and development with COTS technology demonstrated in other demanding applications to ensure the FAA receives a proven solution without associated development costs,” said John O'Sullivan, Vice President, Mission Critical Networks, Harris Government Communications Systems.