C2ISR JTRS Integration

Abstract

Joint Tactical Radio Systems (JTRS) will link the power of the Global Information Grid (GIG) to the warfighter in applying fire effects and achieving overall battlefield superiority. By developing and implementing an open architecture of cutting-edge radio waveform technology, multiple radio types (e.g., handheld, ground-mobile, airborne, maritime, etc.) are now allowed to communicate with one another. The ultimate goal is to produce a family of interoperable, modular, software-defined radios that operate as nodes in a network to ensure secure wireless communication and networking services for mobile and fixed forces. These goals extend to U.S. allies, joint and coalition partners, and, in time, disaster response personnel. JTRS is critical to serving as the "last tactical mile" connecting the warfighter on the ground into the networking capabilities that are delivered through the GIG. As a critical component of the DoD network-centric transformation effort, JTRS provides: Ad-hoc networked communications on-the-move and at the tactical edge to support information sharing and combat readiness - the most challenging requirement, representing the highest capability payoff; Interoperability through a common set of shared open system standards and applications, including the Software Communications Architecture; Cost savings via an 'open' Enterprise Business Model promoting competition; Tactical voice, video, and data battlefield communications when reach back is not possible. JTRS will make the Air Force more effective in Joint warfighting through a series of new, joint networking waveforms. JTRS radios are software defined, digital radios capable of running software defined legacy waveforms. JTRS will provide next generation SATCOM beyond-line-of-sight communication capability, to replace UHF DAMA SATCOM, which is nearing the end of its life cycle, through the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) waveform. It will also provide the Wideband Networking Waveform (WNW) and Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) which, in combination, provide interoperability with the Army, from the brigade level, down to the dismounted soldier, enabling Joint Close Air Support (JCAS), Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) and other Joint missions. To successfully integrate these digital radios on Air Force platforms, displaying information received and transmitted over these radios for operator use, and integrating JTRS information with information from other aircraft systems, non-recurring engineering investment in JTRS "A-Kit" items is required. The JTRS A-Kit includes racks, cabling, digital processors and data displays necessary to integrate JTRS radio sets, or B-Kits, onto multiple Air Force platforms. Air Force will continue looking for solutions for the Joint Aerial Networking-Tactical Edge (JAN-TE) requirement. This program is in budget activity 7, Operational System Development, since it examines appropriate emerging technologies for the continuing incremental development of Off-The-Shelf (OTS) equipment, provides software development, and determines and resolves integration issues pertaining to OTS.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2011
• Source ID: 675189_0207423F_7_3600_PB_2011

Tags

Fields of Study

• Computer science
• Engineering

Readers

• Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
• Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.