QNT is a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency- led (DARPA) technology program to produce a very small and modular digital communications system for a variety of ground and airborne applications. The program is being funded by DARPA, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force.

"We are very pleased that Harris has been selected to participate in the QNT program," said Dan Pearson, president of the Department of Defense business unit of Harris Corporation's Government Communications Systems Division (GCSD).

"Harris has a compelling and successful track record in the development of communications networks and weapon data links for munitions such as the U.S. Navy Standoff Land Attack Missile (SLAM). Applying this expertise to the QNT program will provide Internet Protocol-based (IP) connectivity that reaches the 'network edge.'"

QNT will be used by dismounted air controllers and incorporated into weapons and small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) so that these platforms can network with tactical aircraft and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) in order to better synchronize airborne and ground activities, as well as provide enhanced targeting information.

The program will combine hardware miniaturization and special software to enable ad hoc bandwidth allocation to meet the dynamic demands of combat operations.

Harris is leading a team composed of ViaSat, L-3 Communications, The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin, BBN, Cybernet Systems, Innovative Concepts and Vanu. The team's solution leverages its advanced capabilities in communications technologies to provide QNT network and terminal solutions.

The combined team's capabilities include software-defined radios, mobile ad hoc networks, the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS), the Multi-functional Information Distribution System (MIDS), and the Common Data Link (CDL) to provide QNT network and terminal solutions.

Harris GCSD, one of five divisions within Harris Corporation, conducts advanced research studies, develops prototypes, and produces and supports state-of-the-art, assured communications solutions and information systems that solve the mission-critical challenges of its military and government customers, while serving as the technology base for the company's diverse commercial businesses.

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