Harris Corp. announced it has successfully completed system qualification testing of a satellite terminal that will provide U.S. Navy personnel onboard frigates, cruisers and destroyers with access to the Internet, video and other broadband services.

 

This completion of the testing moves the Commercial Broadband Satellite Program Unit Level Variant contract into the initial production phase, said the company. The CBSP program is a Rapid Deployment Capability acquisition designed to reduce the time required to deliver critical/emerging war-fighting capabilities.

 

Last year, the company was awarded the five-year indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract, and it delivered the first terminal for qualification testing in six months time. The contract calls on Harris to supply up to 55 advanced, 1.3-meter satellite communications terminals with X- and Ku-band capabilities.

 

Currently, with 10 times the bandwidth accessible onboard Navy ships, the terminals will enable the Navy to augment military satellite communications by supporting essential mission requirements. In addition, the terminals are expected to provide high-speed Internet access and video communications to frigates and other unit level classified ships.

 

Wes Covell, president for Harris Defense Programs, said that the completion qualification testing is a “key milestone” for this program as these terminals will “significantly” enhance the Navy’s ability to provide high-data-rate satellite communications to shipboard personnel throughout the world.

 

“This represents a new Navy SATCOM capability that will provide the most advanced communications services available to deployed personnel,” he said.

 

Harris Defense Programs develops, supplies, and integrates communications and information processing products, systems, and networks for a diverse base of aerospace, terrestrial and maritime applications supporting U.S. Department of Defense missions.

 

Melbourne, Fla.-based Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries.

 

Last month, the company received a $196.5 million contract from the Department of State Consular Affairs IT Services. The five-year contract calls on Harris to support the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs to deliver critical services to U.S. citizens domestically and overseas, and facilitate foreign visitors travelling to the U.S.