The Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) and the Army's Future Combat System (FCS): Issues for Congress
Abstract
The Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) is a Department of Defense (DoD) program that would play a significant role in the U.S. Army's proposed Future Combat System (FCS) program. JTRS, envisioned as a family of software programmable radios, has been described as the "backbone" of the FCS and is intended to link the 18 manned and unmanned systems that would constitute FCS. Two JTRS sub-programs managed by the Army -- Cluster One and Cluster Five -- have experienced developmental difficulties, delays, and cost overruns that call into question their viability. This report will be updated on a periodic basis. This report reviews the history of the JTRS procurement; current issues, including size and weight constraints and limited range, security, interoperability with legacy radio systems, Cluster One stop work order, JTRS alternatives,and Boeing's retention of Cluster One contract; experimentation and spin out one; program restructuring; program budget issues; recent Congressional actions; and issues for Congress, including the viability of the Cluster One Program, security, and JTRS alternatives. For a more detailed description of the FCS program, see CRS Report RL32888, "The Army's Future Combat System (FCS): Background and Issues for Congress," by Andrew Feickert.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 17, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA443737
Entities
People
- Andrew Feickert
Organizations
- Library of Congress