JSTARS
Abstract
The JSTARS is the world's premier airborne ground surveillance platform, meeting joint combat capability requirements. The 707-based E-8C JSTARS aircraft provides all-weather radar-derived Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C2ISR) and targeting information on moving and stationary ground/surface targets to include dismounts, slow moving rotary and fixed wing aircraft, and rotating antennas. JSTARS provides target information for matching direct attack aircraft, standoff weapons, and ground-based attack assets against selected targets. It can be cued by other intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and target acquisition systems. This capability enables air and ground regional/geographic commanders to effectively make and execute battlefield decisions at the component commander's level to battlefield forces. It contributes to predictive battle space awareness. This program element enhanced the warfighter's ability to achieve the joint vision of combat operations. It developed advanced battle management aids and information fusion technologies to enable rapid decisions in tracking and killing time-critical targets. Concept exploration, program definition/risk reduction efforts, and studies supported continuous improvements in C2ISR, network centric operational capabilities, and interoperability with joint service, allied, and coalition systems. With the AF decision to begin the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) Recapitalization Program in FY15, and inclusion of funding for the program included in the FY15 President's Budget, no Modernization funds were requested for the legacy E-8C JSTARS program in FY 2015 and beyond. This program element last comprised of one development program, JSTARS Modernization, and the supporting Test and Infrastructure. Development efforts for the Prime Mission Equipment-Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (PME-DMS) and Communications and Networking Upgrades (CNU) developmental programs were completed in FY 2013. In FY14, Project 670003 JSTARS was completed, with JSTARS Extended Test Support (JETS), JSTARS Test Force (JTF) and Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) parts disposition continuing to January 2015. I. JSTARS Modernization: In FY 2014, the JSTARS modernization program consisted of multiple efforts to develop and integrate platform wide system improvements such as, but not limited to, Multi-Agency Communication Capability (MACC), CENTRIX, Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) Risk Reduction and Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) Network Architecture Upgrades (BNAU) . Training and support systems upgrade efforts included, but are not limited to: Weapon Systems Trainer (WST); Navigator Training System (NTS); and Mission Crew Trainers to include a Mission Maintenance Trainer (MMT), Prime Mission Equipment-Maintenance Training Device (PME-MTD) and the Mission System Trainer (MST). II. Test and Infrastructure: The test infrastructure included the JSTARS Extended Test Support (JETS), JSTARS Test Force (JTF), and C2 Enterprise Integration Facility (CEIF). All JSTARS efforts rely on the components of this test infrastructure to carry out RDT&E activities. The infrastructure included a T-3 test aircraft, laboratories, support facilities, protection level (PL-2) security, Information Assurance (IA), and range support. All of the developmental programs have been completed. In FY 2014, the program began the transfer of test infrastructure assets to Robins AFB. The JETS contract and JTF lease will be extended into the second quarter FY 2015 to facilitate preparation of the T-3 aircraft for retirement and the disposition of residual Government Furnished Equipment (GFE). This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development. This budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2016
- Source ID
- 670003_0207581F_7_3600_PB_2016
Related Documents
- Root: Joint Surveillance/Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS)
- Child Accomplishment: JSTARS Modernization
- Child Accomplishment: Test and Infrastructure
- Child Cost Item: 3dfedbcdc5df42625a2ae9420fd35f5d
- Child Cost Item: 3e0a2fda375046e88bd216552918e02d
- Child Cost Item: c76437bab54f96d7e38f114e9259a19d
- Child Cost Item: db8f91437a479fcdf709949091fb5d37
- Child Cost Item: 33fde53fb9469797366d63ca52db7300