SAN FRANCISCO-Feb. 4, 2013-- Dr. Bob Fiete, director of research and development at ITT Exelis (NYSE: XLS) Geospatial Systems, has been elected a 2013 SPIE Fellow by the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE).

SPIE elects Fellows based on significant scientific and technical contributions in optics, photonics, and imaging. Fellows are honored for their technical achievements and for their service to the general optics community and service to SPIE.

"SPIE's election of Bob to Fellow is a testament to his leadership in the optics and imaging community," said Chris Young, president of ITT Exelis Geospatial Systems. "Bob's work has influenced and served many across the fields of justice, defense, intelligence, and environmental sensing, making him a tremendous asset not only to our company, but our nation as well."

A pioneer in modeling the imaging chain of digital cameras, Fiete created the imaging chain model for IKONOS, the first commercial high-resolution imaging satellite. Fiete also leveraged his expertise to help the FBI and Department of Justice prosecute and convict individuals exploiting children in digital images. He is the author of "Modeling the Imaging Chain of Digital Cameras" and "The Formation of a Digital Image: The Imaging Chain Simplified." Fiete is also the 2000 recipient of the Rudolf Kingslake Medal, awarded in recognition of the most noteworthy original paper to appear in SPIE's Optical Engineering journal.

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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