Harris to Modernize ATC Coms in Philippines

Air traffic control and radio communications technology from Harris will provide critical air-to-ground and ground-to-ground digital communications services for a new Manila Area Control Center in the Philippines - connecting it with remote sites throughout the 7,000-island nation.

The Harris Liberty-STARVoice Communication and Control System (VCCS) will improve communications between the Area Control Center controllers and aircraft en route and on the ground. Also, the Harris Integrated Radio Equipment and Network Adapter (IRENA), which can emulate virtually any radio link, will enable communications to isolated areas - where digital services are sparse and reliance on legacy links and older analog technology is required. The contract marks the first international sale of the IRENA system.

"The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines will realize significant flexibility and cost savings, since it won't have to replace the entire communications infrastructure as network standards evolve," said John O'Sullivan, vice president of Mission Critical Networks for Harris Corporation. "Operators can continue to communicate using their legacy radio equipment and upgrade when they choose to do so. This contract reflects our continued success in modernizing global air traffic control operations."