Harris Corporation New Unity XG-100 Provides Direct Interoperability Across Multiple Frequency Bands
ROCHESTER, NY — Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company, today announced the introduction of Unity™, a family of multiband software-defined radios that will allow federal, state and local public safety agencies to communicate more effectively using a single radio. The first product is the Unity XG-100, a multiband portable land mobile radio.
The Unity XG-100 provides secure interoperable communications over public safety frequency bands from 136 to 870 MHz. This will enable emergency personnel to communicate directly without having to carry multiple radios or route transmissions through ad-hoc network bridges. The new radio will be fully compliant with the APCO Project 25 technical standard in both conventional and trunking modes and is approximately the same size as currently fielded single-banded radios.
Harris will be showing the Unity XG-100 for the first time next week at the 74th annual APCO Trade Show and Exposition in Kansas City.
"The Unity XG-100 is an advanced multiband radio that will provide public safety personnel with direct communications interoperability whenever and wherever necessary," said Dana Mehnert, president, Harris RF Communications. "As a result, federal, state and local first responders will be able to unify their efforts and provide a better, more coordinated response to emergencies.
"The Unity XG-100 is based on our heritage as the leading provider of high-performance softwaredefined tactical radios for military use. Harris first introduced multiband radios to the U.S. Department of Defense more than a decade ago. We have gained a superior understanding of this field over that time and are now on our third generation of radios. Harris intends to use this expertise to create products that address the increasingly complex communication needs of government and public safety personnel."
Harris entered the growing public safety/homeland security market in February with the RF-1033M, the first multiband radio targeting the needs of federal first responders. The Unity XG-100 expands on the capabilities of the RF-1033M and extends the frequency range to cover the 700/800 MHz bands. The multiband capability of the radio will allow public safety agencies to phase-in their transitions to new networks, including the newly available 700 MHz frequency band. The Unity XG-100 is also easily upgradeable via software updates to support evolving P25 standards, future capabilities and changing mission requirements.
The Unity XG-100 will start field trials near the end of this year, with products expected to begin shipping in 2009.
Improving communications interoperability remains a critical priority for public safety and government agencies across the country, and represents a major focus for Congress, the National Governor's Association, the U.S. Conference of Mayors and other public policy makers.
Expanding into adjacent markets is one of Harris Corporation's core strategies. The company continues to invest in new product development and apply its extensive experience with defense, government, broadcast and other customers throughout the world to broaden its market opportunities.
About Harris Corporation
Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has annual revenue of almost $5 billion and 16,000 employees — including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications™ products, systems, and services. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com.
