Harris makes communications products such as satellite and other wireless networks, transcommunication equipment, aircontrol systems, and mobile radio network systems.
Like many projects in air-travel modernization, there's a chicken-and-egg question: Should airlines spend money on equipment before air-traffic control agencies prove they can work with it, or should air-traffic control service providers spend first and then wait for airlines to catch up?
In addition to furloughs, the FAA is planning to eliminate midnight shifts for air traffic controllers at 60 airport towers, close over 100 control towers at smaller airports and reduce preventative maintenance of equipment.