Harris To Supply Intra-Flight Data Link Components For Joint Strike Fighter

Washington, DC -- Harris Corporation today announced that it was awarded a six-year, $30.7 million contract by Northrop Grumman Space Technology to design and develop hardware components for the Intra-Flight Data Link (IFDL) system for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). Harris estimates that its avionics work on the F-35 JSF program could exceed $2.5 billion by 2026. The announcement was made during the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association's (AFCEA's) TechNet International 2004 conference this week.

"JSF is a key element of our military's modernization plan and we are pleased that Northrop Grumman has selected Harris to provide world-class avionics for the F-35 JSF," said Dan Pearson, president, Defense Programs business unit, Harris Government Communications Systems Division (GCSD). "Furthermore, the F-35 represents yet another defense platform for Harris phased array antenna technology, which is an integral component of IFDL."

Under terms of the contract, Harris will provide the remote electronics for the aircraft, including the phased array antenna and antenna interface hardware for Northrop Grumman Space Technology's IFDL system. Northrop Grumman's IFDL system utilizes sophisticated data link design and software-defined radio technology to enable advanced communications within and among formations, or "flights" of F-35 aircraft. This capability significantly enhances situational awareness and operational effectiveness for F-35 pilots, providing unmatched levels of connectivity during flight operations.

Equipment delivered under this contract will support aircraft that support the formal flight and subsystems testing of all three variants of the F-35. The contract spans through 2009, with initial delivery of flight-ready hardware expected in 2007. Successful testing of this system could lead to production contracts for 2,593 aircraft to be used by the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and the United Kingdom.

Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 in conjunction with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE SYSTEMS. Companies worldwide are participating in the F-35's development. Among the aircraft that the F-35 will replace are the AV-8B Harrier, A-10, F-16, and F/A-18, as well as the United Kingdom's Harrier GR.7 and Sea Harrier. The new, stealthy F-35 aircraft is designed to be a highly sophisticated, survivable weapon system that meets multiple military service performance requirements while achieving strict affordability targets.

Source: Harris Corporation