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Harris Corporation Introduces Digital Vehicular Intercom System

February 23, 2009
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ROCHESTER, N.Y., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Harris Corporation
(NYSE: HRS), an international communications and information technology
company, today announced the introduction of the Falcon(R) RF-7800I Tactical
Intercom System, a modular platform for in-vehicle voice and data
communication, tactical network connectivity, and battle management system
interoperability. This new digital intercom system provides voice and data
connectivity among vehicle crew members, while also creating a network
backbone that centralizes access to and control of all vehicular communication
systems.

“For decades, Harris has been integrating our Falcon radio equipment into
tactical vehicles for forces around the world,” said Dana Mehnert, president,
Harris RF Communications. “The RF-7800I intercom system will now provide a
Harris solution to customers who require a complete vehicular communication
network, accessible by all crew members. This network will securely and
efficiently distribute critical information throughout the vehicle, while
unifying the operation of communications technologies that connect the crew to
the broader battlefield network.”

The RF-7800I features a modular, customizable architecture designed to
adapt to specific vehicle configurations or mission requirements. The
system’s capabilities range from voice-only communication among vehicle crew
members, to voice and data networking that is interoperable with the full
family of Harris Falcon(R) tactical radios. This networking feature allows
crew members to communicate with dismounted personnel, and other vehicles or
command centers via HF, VHF, UHF, multiband and BGAN (broadband global area
network) satellite communications technology. System upgrades can be added via
software downloads, giving forces a simple and cost-effective way to expand
the functionality of their existing solution without the need to replace any
hardware.

The core of the RF-7800I intercom system is the Central Unit which
supplies power, plus voice and data, for up to 10 vehicle crew member
stations. In addition, the Central Unit enables connectivity between the
intercom system and up to four tactical radios. The Central Unit can also
distribute alarm and status information throughout the vehicle vetronics
system. Data input devices such as ruggedized PCs can be connected directly
to the Central Unit via Ethernet TCP/IP interfaces.

A full suite of individual crew member units are available in multiple
configurations. Options range from a Keypad Display Unit with a full numeric
keypad and digital display for maximum in-field control of intercom system
settings, to a streamlined End-User Unit for operators such as drivers or
gunners who require basic voice interconnectivity while they focus on their
primary tasks. Each of the RF-7800I’s crew member units has a headset
connection. To ensure clear communications, each headset applies built-in
digital signal processing and noise filtering and has the ability to interface
with power noise-reduction headsets. For ease of operation, the same
three-button warning and volume controls are consistently used across all of
the units. Data devices can also be connected to the individual crew member
units through integrated data ports.

Other mission-specific components include a Telephone and Alarm Unit that
allows vehicles equipped with the RF-7800I to connect directly to a field
phone or PBX, and a Speaker Amplifier that broadcasts intercom or tactical
radio communications throughout the vehicle over a robust broadband speaker.

“The configurability of the RF-7800I truly enables it to be optimized for
a customer’s specific vehicle and mission requirements,” said Ted Knowles,
director of international product management, Harris RF Communications.
“Moreover, the system’s ability to serve as a vehicular communications network
backbone broadens crew member access to and control of multiple radio assets,
enabling the entire crew to be more effectively connected to the time-critical
information essential to their specific tactical role.”

The RF-7800I is developed with cooperation from WB Electronics and
embodies Harris Corporation’s industry-leading expertise in software defined
architectures. System upgrades can be added via software downloads, giving
forces a simple and cost-effective way to expand the functionality of their
existing solution without the need to replace any hardware.

Harris RF Communications is the leading global supplier of secure radio
communications products and systems for military, government and commercial
organizations. The company’s Falcon(R) family of software-defined tactical
radio products and systems include manpack, handheld, vehicular, and
fixed-site applications.

About Harris Corporation

Harris is an international communications and information technology
company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries.
Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has annual revenue of $5.4
billion
and 16,500 employees – including nearly 7,000 engineers and
scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured
communications(R) products, systems, and services. Additional information
about Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com.

SOURCE Harris Corporation


Source: newswire