Harris Corporation Selected to Modernize Jamaican Air Traffic Control Center

Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) has been awarded a contract to modernize critical air traffic control (ATC) communications at the Air Traffic Control Center (ATCC) in Kingston, Jamaica. 

Harris will supply two Liberty-STAR™ Voice Communication and Control Systems (VCCS) to the Kingston ATCC to modernize their existing main and back-up systems. 

Featuring a modular architecture, open-platform software and commercial-off-the-shelf hardware, Liberty-STAR™ VCCS delivers a reliable, scalable communications solution for ATC towers, airline and area control dispatch, flight service stations, and mobile shelters.  The systems will be equipped with touch-screen operator positions, radio interfaces, telephone interfaces, and a System Maintenance, Administration and Reconfiguration Terminal (SMART) POSITION™.  The systems are IP-enabled which will allow Jamaican aviation authorities to migrate to the new technology when they are ready. 

Harris is also supplying its Liberty-Radio Gateway to provide authorities with a radio by-pass solution in the event of an emergency that would automatically transfer all air-ground communications from the centers main system to another pre-defined location.  The selected solution is part of Harris’ VCS21 family of advanced VCCS products designed to provide safe, flexible mission-critical operations.

“Being a popular tourist destination means the skies over Jamaica are often very active and finding a solution that keeps its airways operating safely and efficiently is vital,” said Ed Sayadian, president, Harris Mission Networks. “Having previously supplied systems to airports in Kingston and Montego Bay, Jamaica is very familiar with the quality, reliability and value Harris provides.”

Harris has extensive experience developing mission-critical solutions that support civil and military air traffic control operations worldwide, including more than 200 customers in more than 70 countries.  This is the company’s latest ATC communications contract in Jamaica, having supplied systems in 2013 for Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston.  To date, Harris has provided communications systems for a number of countries in the Caribbean region, including the Dominican Republic, Barbados, Aruba, Bahamas and Haiti.