Company Website: http://www.exelisinc.com
HERNDON, Va. -- (Business Wire)

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and ITT Exelis (NYSE: XLS) have entered into a licensing agreement for Exelis to provide its real-time, integrated Next Generation flight-tracking data for the university’s academic research and analysis.

“The agreement with Exelis permits Embry-Riddle’s faculty, staff and students to evaluate, analyze and research air traffic control-quality surveillance in real time. This level of unique access to Exelis NextGen surveillance information means that Embry-Riddle researchers can investigate a number of areas, including safety and efficiency, among other applications,” said Steven Hampton, associate dean for research, College of Aviation, at Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach, Fla., campus. “We are pleased to expand our relationship with Exelis and assist in developing NextGen-powered solutions.”

Among Embry-Riddle’s potential uses of the surveillance data:

• The university’s researchers could analyze the information to enhance electronic flight management systems, giving pilots better situational awareness or conflict detection and resolution.
• Students could train more effectively to operate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) by flying dynamic missions in live traffic.
• Long-term studies of actual traffic patterns and procedures could improve the understanding of the effects of weather on the National Airspace System (NAS) and how to integrate UAS and commercial spaceflight operations into the NAS.

Since October 2011, Embry-Riddle has been using the Exelis Symphony^® OpsVue™ application that provides the flight operations center with a complete and accurate real-time view of airway and airport activity, allowing for safer, more efficient operations.The system incorporates the most comprehensive aircraft surveillance data available, including data from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s NextGen surveillance system, which Exelis installed and operates and maintains.

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

Contacts:

ITT Exelis
Leah Lackey, 703-668-6234
leah.lackey@exelisinc.com

Source: ITT Exelis