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CLIFTON, N.J.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--[ ITT Exelis ] (NYSE: XLS) and partner, [ Innovative Technical Solutions ], Inc. (commercially known as NOVASOL), have been awarded a $7 million contract to develop a laser communications system for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.

"Using laser communications gives our forces the information they need without competing with radio frequency transmissions a" itas like having your own traffic lane at rush hour."

The team will complete development of a line-of-sight, high-bandwidth laser communications system that will be used for ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore and ground-to-ground mission applications. The contract is with the U.S. Navyas Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Va., and the Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C.

Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions have become more sophisticated, requiring more data to be exchanged a" faster a"than ever before. Delivering ISR data to decision makers and warfighters is challenging yet critical to mission success.

aTodayas missions require moving huge amounts of data a" more than three gigabytes per second a" all in near real time,a said Gary Tarantino, manager of advanced systems and strategic initiatives for Exelis Electronic Systems. aUsing laser communications gives our forces the information they need without competing with radio frequency transmissions a" itas like having your own traffic lane at rush hour.a

aWith technology developed by our companies in concert with the Office of Naval Research and the Naval Research Laboratory during the past eight years, moving high volumes of data with laser communications is now cost-effective and dependable,a said John Sender, vice president at NOVASOL. aOur systems will help ensure warfighters have the tactical and strategic edge in combat operations.a

Exelis and NOVASOL have successfully field-demonstrated their laser capability, using both short- and long-range transmission, within a simulated Marine Corps network. The team has also participated in Navy exercises to improve the technology used to transmit and receive data over extended line-of-sight distances in diverse weather conditions.

Under the contract, Exelis is leading systems engineering, product development and production, and NOVASOL is engaged in the design and development of laser communication technologies.

Future plans include producing tactical laser communication networks for mobile and special operations forces.

About NOVASOL

NOVASOL, founded as Innovative Technical Solutions in October 1998, is a Hawaii-based, employee-owned company dedicated to providing best-value technical solutions to complex military, industrial, medical, and environmental problems. NOVASOL specializes in the research, engineering development, and production planning for next-generation active and passive optical systems. These systems provide coverage of the entire spectrum from the ultraviolet to the infrared with panchromatic to ultra-spectral resolution. For every project, NOVASOL brings its core technical competencies in sensors, optics, navigation and stabilization, spectral and spatial algorithms, real-time systems, and data analysis. Find us on the web at [ www.nova-sol.com ].

About ITT Exelis

ITT Exelis is a diversified, top-tier global aerospace, defense and information solutions company with strong positions in enduring and emerging global markets. Exelis is a leader in networked communications, sensing and surveillance, electronic warfare, navigation, air traffic solutions and information systems with growing positions in cyber security, composite aerostructures, logistics and technical services. The company has a 50-year legacy of innovation and technology expertise, partnering with customers worldwide to deliver affordable, mission-critical products and services for managing global threats, conflicts and complexities. Headquartered in McLean, Va., the company employs about 20,500 people and generated 2011 sales of $5.8 billion. [ www.exelisinc.com ]