JSTARS Recapitalization

Abstract

JSTARS Recap is a manned aircraft replacement for the legacy E-8C that provides decision superiority via tactical Battle Management, Command and Control (BMC2) and Battlespace Awareness (BA) across the full Range of Military Operations (ROMO). Armed with an on-board BMC2 crew, powerful radar, and robust communications and information systems, it enables theater ground and air commanders to make quick decisions with decisive results during complex and rapidly unfolding operations. It is the only Theater Air Control System (TACS) node with a wide-area ground surveillance sensor, and provides commanders with 'fail forward' distributed control of an assigned area at the edge of the battlefield. Capabilities include near-real-time wide-area surveillance (WAS) and targeting information on wheeled and tracked vehicles, slow-moving rotary and fixed wing aircraft, rotating antennas, jammers, dismount targets, and stationary ground/surface targets (including maritime). Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery enables both terrain imaging and stationary target location. The system is designed for day and night worldwide deployment in all weather conditions. JSTARS Recap is the most cost-effective and operationally-effective materiel solution derived from the DoD's Joint Capability Integration and Development System (JCIDS) process, which includes a completed Initial Capability Document (ICD), Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), and draft Capability Development Document (CDD). JSTARS Recap enhances the warfighter's ability to achieve the joint vision of combat operations by integrating current and mature subsystem technologies onto a business class commercial derivative aircraft. It delivers advanced battle management aids and information fusion technologies to enable rapid decisions by automating tracking and addressing time-critical targets for surface and land forces. JSTARS Recap addresses the downward sustainment trends with the aging E-8C fleet and focuses on maintaining current JSTARS operational mission capabilities. In FY 2015, PE 0604283F, BMC2 Sensor Development, Project 645363, MP-RTIP, and PE 0207581F, Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS), Project 670003, JSTARS, efforts were transferred to PE 0307581F, JSTARS Recap, Project 650003, JSTARS Recapitalization (Recap) in order to consolidate efforts and continue risk reduction activities. With the Pre-Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract completing in 4QFY16, activities in FY17 center around obtaining a MS B decision in 4QFY17. The Air Force will conduct source selection activities for the EMD contract to be awarded in 1QFY18, and continue with Radar Risk Reduction Activities and program office execution. Activities also include studies, analyses, and risk reduction activities addressing all subsystems to support both current program planning/execution and future AF program planning. This program is in budget Activity 5, System Development and Demonstration (SDD) because it is projected to receive Milestone B approval and is conducting engineering and manufacturing development tasks aimed at meeting validated requirements prior to full-rate production.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2017
Source ID
650003_0307581F_5_3600_PB_2017

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control

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