Harris supplying more communications terminals to Navy

Shipboard terminals that give sailors access to high-bandwidth voice and data communications have been ordered by the US Navy.

Communications company Harris Corporation said the order it received is for as many as 122 terminals and carries a value of as much as $133 million.

The terminals will be in addition to 70 terminals it has delivered to the Navy since 2008 under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity Commercial Broadband Satellite Program Unit Level Variant contract, which remains in force until 2022.

Harris said its terminals offer X-band operation over existing military satellites, and the option of military/commercial Ka-band operation for future deployed satellite systems. They provide high-speed Internet access and video communications on small combatant and support ships as well as on amphibious assault ships.

"These Harris terminals provide the Navy with access to the high-bandwidth services essential to mission-critical communications and to morale," said Ed Zoiss, vice president and general manager, Defense Programs, Harris Government Communications Systems. "Harris is delivering the next generation of military and commercial satellite capabilities to the Navy fleet."

A delivery schedule for the terminals was not disclosed.