Harris Corporation Technology to Modernize Air Traffic Control Communications Throughout the Philippines

The Harris Liberty-STAR Voice 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." The Liberty-STAR VCCS uses a modular architecture with open-platform software and commercial-off-the-shelf hardware. This technology delivers a reliable, scalable solution for air traffic control (ATC) towers, area control dispatch, airline dispatch, flight service stations, ATC simulators and mobile shelters. IRENA was designed to multiplex voice and data signals transmitted between air traffic management facilities and local or remote radios over standard telecommunications links. It can be used with any voice communication and control system and with all ATM radios. This adapter provides interfaces for digital voice, legacy analog voice, SatCom, datalink, ADS-B, TIS-B, FIS-B and other data services. Harris/SolaCom ATC Solutions and its partner, Speer Technologies Corporation, will deliver, install and integrate the communications system. It includes eight IRENAs, 16 touch-screen operator positions, 20 radio interfaces, 20 telephone interfaces and 10 Jotron VHF Multimode Digital Transceivers. The contract also covers operation and maintenance training for controllers and technical staff. Harris/SolaCom ATC Solutions is a leading provider of mission-critical communications products and services for civil and military air traffic control applications. Located in Canada's national capital region, Harris/SolaCom combines customized, innovative solutions with proven technical expertise to provide robust, reliable communications solutions used by more than 200 customers in more than 40 countries.