Joint Tactical Radio System
Encyclopedia
The Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) is planned to be the next-generation voice-and-data radio used by the U.S.
military in field operations after 2010. Launched with a Mission Needs Statement in 1997 and a subsequent requirements document in 1998 (which has been revised several times), JTRS is a software-defined radio
that will work with many existing military and civilian radios. It includes integrated encryption
and Wideband Networking Software to create mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs)
.
The JTRS program has been beset by delays and cost overruns, particularly Ground Mobile Radios (GMR), run by Boeing
. Problems included a decentralized management structure, changing requirements, and unexpected technical difficulties that increased size and weight goals that made it harder to add the required waveforms.
The JTRS is built on the Software Communications Architecture
(SCA), an open-architecture framework that tells designers how hardware and software are to operate in harmony. It governs the structure and operation of the JTRS, enabling programmable radios to load waveforms, run applications, and be networked into an integrated system. A Core Framework, providing a standard operating environment, must be implemented on every hardware set. Interoperability among radio sets is increased because the same waveform software can be easily ported to all radios.
The Object Management Group
(OMG), a not-for-profit consortium that produces and maintains computer industry specifications for interoperable enterprise applications, is working toward building an international commercial standard based on the SCA.
The JTRS Enterprise is composed of five ACAT
1D programs of record - Network Enterprise Domain (NED), Ground Mobile Radios (GMR), Handheld, Manpack, & Small Form Fit (HMS), Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) JTRS, and Airborne, Maritime Fixed/Station (AMF) and one ACAT III program - Handheld JTRS Enhanced Multi-Band Intra-Team Radio (JEM).
The JTRS HMS contract is structured to address Increment 1, consisting of Phases 1 and 2. Increment 1, Phase 1 will develop the AN/PRC-154 Rifleman Radio sets and embedded SFF-A (one channel), SFF-A (two channel) and SFF-D (one channel) versions. The AN/PRC-154 Rifleman Radio sets and SFFs will utilize the Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) in a sensitive but unclassified environment (Type 2). In order to mitigate program waveform porting and integration challenges, the SRW application, which is managed by the JTRS Network Enterprise Domain, was developed on a Waveform Development Environment with HMS as the lead platform for porting.
Increment 1, Phase 2 will develop the two channel manpack, two channel handheld, and embedded SFF-B, versions that are all Type 1 compliant for use in a classified environment. Waveforms on the phased sets include Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Satellite Communications, Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW), High Frequency (HF), Enhanced Position Location and Reporting System (EPLRS), Mobile-User Objective System (MUOS), and Single Channel Ground to Air Radio System (SINCGARS).
Several of the above waveforms will not be supported in JTRS Increment 1 and have been deferred to "later increments". Currently, only Increment 1 is funded. The requirements document for JTRS Increment 2 is under development. JTRS Increment 1 threshold waveforms include:
Waveform/Applicable radios (based on JTRS ORD Amendment 3.2.1 dtd 28 Aug 06)
In March 2006, the JPEO recommended changing the management structure, reducing the scope of the project, extending the deadline, and adding money. The JPEO's recommendations were accepted.
The program is focusing on the toughest part: transformational networking. The JTRS radio is to be a telephone, computer and router in one box that can transmit from 2 MHz to 2 GHz.
A September 2006 Government Accountability Office
report said these changes had helped reduce the risk of more cost and schedule overruns to "moderate."
The U.S. military no longer plans to quickly replace all of its 750,000 tactical radios. The program is budgeted at $6.8 billion to produce 180,000 radios, an average cost per radio of $37,700. Program delays forced DOD to spend an estimated $11 billion to buy more existing tactical radios, such as the U.S. Marine Corps' Integrated, Intra-Squad Radio
, the AN/PRC-117F
and the AN/PRC-150
.
On June 22, 2007, the Joint Program Executive Office issued the first JTRS-Approved radio (not JTRS-Certified) production contract. It gave Harris Corporation
$2.7 billion and Thales Communications Inc. $3.5 billion for first-year procurement and allowed the firms to compete for more parts of the five-year program. Harris could make up to $7 billion; Thales, $9 billion.
In July 2008, the head of OSD AT&L conducted a 10-hour program review after costs continued to grow. Additionally, the JTRS Ground Mobile Radio program, originally funded at around $370 million, has now exceeded $1 billion despite reduced requirements.
During the Iraq War, the USMC developed their own system using commercial off the shelf technology, combining satcoms with wifi, that has worked ever since.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
military in field operations after 2010. Launched with a Mission Needs Statement in 1997 and a subsequent requirements document in 1998 (which has been revised several times), JTRS is a software-defined radio
Software-defined radio
A software-defined radio system, or SDR, is a radio communication system where components that have been typically implemented in hardware are instead implemented by means of software on a personal computer or embedded computing devices...
that will work with many existing military and civilian radios. It includes integrated encryption
Encryption
In cryptography, encryption is the process of transforming information using an algorithm to make it unreadable to anyone except those possessing special knowledge, usually referred to as a key. The result of the process is encrypted information...
and Wideband Networking Software to create mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs)
Mobile ad hoc network
A mobile ad-hoc network is a self-configuring infrastructureless network of mobile devices connected by wireless links. ad hoc is Latin and means "for this purpose"....
.
The JTRS program has been beset by delays and cost overruns, particularly Ground Mobile Radios (GMR), run by Boeing
Boeing
The Boeing Company is an American multinational aerospace and defense corporation, founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, Washington. Boeing has expanded over the years, merging with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. Boeing Corporate headquarters has been in Chicago, Illinois since 2001...
. Problems included a decentralized management structure, changing requirements, and unexpected technical difficulties that increased size and weight goals that made it harder to add the required waveforms.
The JTRS is built on the Software Communications Architecture
Software Communications Architecture
The Software Communications Architecture is an open architecture framework that tells designers how elements of hardware and software are to operate in harmony within a software defined radio. SCA governs the structure and operation of the U.S...
(SCA), an open-architecture framework that tells designers how hardware and software are to operate in harmony. It governs the structure and operation of the JTRS, enabling programmable radios to load waveforms, run applications, and be networked into an integrated system. A Core Framework, providing a standard operating environment, must be implemented on every hardware set. Interoperability among radio sets is increased because the same waveform software can be easily ported to all radios.
The Object Management Group
Object Management Group
Object Management Group is a consortium, originally aimed at setting standards for distributed object-oriented systems, and is now focused on modeling and model-based standards.- Overview :...
(OMG), a not-for-profit consortium that produces and maintains computer industry specifications for interoperable enterprise applications, is working toward building an international commercial standard based on the SCA.
JTRS Program of Record
The Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) has evolved from a loosely associated group of radio replacement programs to an integrated effort to network multiple weapon system platforms and forward combat units where it matters most – at the last tactical mile. In 2005, JTRS was restructured under the leadership of a Joint Program Executive Officer (JPEO) headquartered in San Diego, California. The JPEO JTRS provides an enterprise acquisition and management approach to successfully and efficiently develop, produce, integrate, test and field the JTRS networking capability.The JTRS Enterprise is composed of five ACAT
Acquisition Category
The United States Department of Defense divides future acquisition programs into four acquisition categories: ACAT I, ACAT II, ACAT III, or ACAT IA. The differences between these categories depend on their size and programatic differences....
1D programs of record - Network Enterprise Domain (NED), Ground Mobile Radios (GMR), Handheld, Manpack, & Small Form Fit (HMS), Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) JTRS, and Airborne, Maritime Fixed/Station (AMF) and one ACAT III program - Handheld JTRS Enhanced Multi-Band Intra-Team Radio (JEM).
JTRS Network Enterprise Domain (NED)
JTRS NED is responsible for the development, sustainment, and enhancement of interoperable networking and legacy software waveforms. NED’s product line consists of: 14 Legacy Waveforms (Bowman VHF, COBRA, EPLRS, Have Quick II, HF SSB/ALE, HF 5066, Link 16, SINCGARS, UHF DAMA SATCOM 181/182/183/184, UHF LOS, VHF LOS); three Mobile Ad-hoc Networking Waveforms (Wideband Networking Waveform [WNW], Soldier Radio Waveform [SRW], and Mobile User Objective System [MUOS]–Red Side Processing); and Network Enterprise Services (NES) including the JTRS WNW Network Manager (JWNM), Soldier Radio Waveform Network Manager (SRWNM), JTRS Enterprise Network Manager (JENM), and Enterprise Network Services (ENS).JTRS Ground Mobile Radios (GMR)
JTRS GMR are a key enabler of the DoD and Army Transformation and will provide critical communications capabilities across the full spectrum of Joint operations. Through software reconfiguration, JTRS GMR can emulate current force radios and operate new internet protocol-based networking waveforms offering increased data throughput utilizing self-forming, self-healing, and managed communication networks. The GMR route and retransmit functionality links various waveforms in different frequency bands to form one internetwork. GMR can scale from one to four channels supporting multiple security levels and effectively use the frequency spectrum within the 2 megahertz to 2 gigahertz frequency range. The radios are Software Communications Architecture compliant with increased bandwidth through future waveforms and are interoperable with 4+ current force radio systems and the JTRS family of radios.JTRS Handheld, Manpack & Small Form Fit (HMS)
JTRS HMS is a materiel solution meeting the requirements of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Networks and Information Integration/DoD Chief Information Officer for a Software Communications Architecture (SCA) compliant hardware system hosting SCA-compliant software waveforms (applications).The JTRS HMS contract is structured to address Increment 1, consisting of Phases 1 and 2. Increment 1, Phase 1 will develop the AN/PRC-154 Rifleman Radio sets and embedded SFF-A (one channel), SFF-A (two channel) and SFF-D (one channel) versions. The AN/PRC-154 Rifleman Radio sets and SFFs will utilize the Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) in a sensitive but unclassified environment (Type 2). In order to mitigate program waveform porting and integration challenges, the SRW application, which is managed by the JTRS Network Enterprise Domain, was developed on a Waveform Development Environment with HMS as the lead platform for porting.
Increment 1, Phase 2 will develop the two channel manpack, two channel handheld, and embedded SFF-B, versions that are all Type 1 compliant for use in a classified environment. Waveforms on the phased sets include Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Satellite Communications, Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW), High Frequency (HF), Enhanced Position Location and Reporting System (EPLRS), Mobile-User Objective System (MUOS), and Single Channel Ground to Air Radio System (SINCGARS).
Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) JTRS
MIDS is a secure, scalable, modular, wireless, and jam-resistant digital information system currently providing Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN), Link-16, and J-Voice to airborne, ground, and maritime joint and coalition warfighting platforms. MIDS provides real-time and low-cost information and situational awareness via digital and voice, communications within the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Enterprise. The MIDS Program includes MIDS-LVT and the MIDS JTRS Terminal. MIDS-LVT is in full rate production and MIDS JTRS is in evolutionary development and limited production. MIDS JTRS is a “form fit function” replacement for MIDS–LVT and adds three additional channels for JTRS waveforms as required by joint and coalition warfighter.JTRS Airborne & Maritime/Fixed Station (AMF)
AMF will provide a four-channel, full duplex, software-defined radio integrated into airborne, shipboard, and fixed-station platforms, enabling maritime and airborne forces to communicate seamlessly and with greater efficiency through implementation of five initial waveforms (i.e., Ultra-High Frequency Satellite Communications, Mobile User Objective System, Wideband Network Waveform, Soldier Radio Waveform, and Link 16) providing data, voice, and networking capabilities. JTRS AMF is software-reprogrammable, multi-band/multi-mode capable, mobile ad-hoc network capable, and provides simultaneous voice, data, and video communications. The system is flexible enough to provide point-to-point and netted voice and data, whether it is between Service Command Centers, Shipboard Command Centers, Joint Operations Centers or other functional centers (e.g., intelligence, logistics, etc.). AMF will assist U.S. Armed Forces in the conduct of prompt, sustained, and synchronized operations, allowing warfighters the freedom to achieve information dominance in all domains; land, sea, air, space, and information.JTRS Network Enterprise Domain (NED)
- Legacy waveform upgrades planned (VHF/UHF LOS, HQII, Bowman, EPLRS, Link 16)
- Networking waveforms/management completed FQT, in JTRS IR (WNW 4.0.2, SRW 1.01.1c, SRWNM 1.0R, JWNM v4.0 3); Interim versions in JTRS IR (SRWNM v1.0+, TTNT v6.0)
- Legacy waveforms completed FQT, in JTRS IR (VHF/UHF LOS, HQ II, COBRA, SATCOM 181/182/183/184, SINCGARS, EPLRS, JTRS Bowman, Link 16, HF)
JTRS Ground Mobile Radios (GMR)
- GMR LUT (3QFY11)
- System Integration Testing (Sept 2010)
- 91 sets for GMR DT/OT - 91 delivered
- PEO-I purchasing 153 EDMs through Boeing Prime/ Boeing GMR agreement for SDD, Test, and fielding to IBCT #1 – 30 Delivered for Test
- 121 GMR Pre-EDMs and 73 open chassis radios delivered for GMR/WF development & test; 71 pre-EDMs for E-IBCT SO1
JTRS Handheld, Manpack & Small Form Fit (HMS)
- MS C AN/PRC-154 (4QFY11); AN/PRC-155 (FY11/FY12); MUOS capable AN/PRC-155 (1QFY13)
- BCT Integration Exercise (July 2010)
- MUOS HPA PDR (July 2010)
- EDMs Delivered: 14 Manpacks (AN/PRC- 155); 21 JTRS Rifleman Radio (AN/PRC-154); 163 JTRS Rifleman Radio (AN/PRC-154) (CV1); 213 SFF A; 21 SFF-D
Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) JTRS
- IOC with F/A-18E/F (Jan 2011)
- Operational Test (Jul – Oct 2010); > 170 flight tests ; >513 total flight test hours conducted on F/A-18E/F platform
- TRL 7 achieved (May/Jun 2010); Completed DT Flight Test (Apr 2010); NSA Certification (Mar 2010)
- MIDS JTRS Limited Production & Fielding Decision (Dec 2009) – 41 production terminals to support F/A-18E/F and JSTARS
- Delivered 7 terminals to F/A-18 for OT
JTRS Airborne & Maritime/Fixed Station (AMF)
- Delivered pre-production representative unit to AH-64D (Long Bow Apache) to support platform integration (Sep 2010)
- Completed Initial Hardware/Software Demonstration – Small Airborne (Aug 2010)
- Completed System CDR (Dec 2009)
- Air-to-Air-to-Ground SRW demonstration (Jun 2009)
- SDD contract awarded (Mar 2008)
Consolidated Single Channel Handheld Radios (CSCHR)
- Delivering over 150,000 radios and accessories to the Services
Waveforms
JTRS was originally planned to use frequencies from 2 megahertz to 2 gigahertz. The addition of the Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) waveform means the radios will also use frequencies above 2 GHz. Waveforms that will be supported include:- Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW)
- Single Channel Ground Air Radio System (SINCGARSSINCGARSSINCGARS is a Combat Net Radio currently used by U.S. and allied military forces. The radios, which handle voice and data communications, are designed to be reliable, secure and easily maintained...
) with Enhanced SINCGARS Improvement Program (ESIP), 30-88 MHz, FMFM broadcastingFM broadcasting is a broadcasting technology pioneered by Edwin Howard Armstrong which uses frequency modulation to provide high-fidelity sound over broadcast radio. The term "FM band" describes the "frequency band in which FM is used for broadcasting"...
, frequency hopping and single frequency - HAVE QUICKHAVE QUICKHAVE QUICK is a frequency-hopping system used to protect military UHF radio traffic.Since the end of World War II, U.S. and Allied military aircraft have used AM radios in the 225–400 MHz UHF band for short range air-to-air and ground-to-air communications...
II military aircraft radio, 225-400 MHz, AMAmplitude modulationAmplitude modulation is a technique used in electronic communication, most commonly for transmitting information via a radio carrier wave. AM works by varying the strength of the transmitted signal in relation to the information being sent...
, frequency hopping - UHF SATCOM, 225-400 MHz, MIL-STD-188-181, -182, -183 and -184 protocols
- Mobile User Objective SystemMobile User Objective SystemThe Mobile User Objective System is an array of geosynchronous satellites being developed for the United States Department of Defense to provide global satellite communications narrowband connectivity for communications use by the United States and allies.-Overview:The Mobile User Objective...
(MUOS): It is important to note that the JTRS HMS manpack is the only radio program of record that will deliver terminals supporting the next generation UHF TACSAT MUOS program. 85% of all MUOS terminals are expected to be ground radios, so if JTRS HMS fails, MUOS (funded in the billions) fails as well - unless a COTS solution is developed...of course MUOS has also had its share of problems, recently announcing yet another 6 month slip for launching its first satellite. - Enhanced Position Location Reporting SystemEnhanced Position Location Reporting SystemThe Enhanced Position Location Reporting System is a secure, jam resistant, computer controlled communications network that distributes near real-time tactical information, generally integrated into radio sets, and coordinated by a Network Control Station. It is primarily used for data...
(EPLRS), 420-450 MHz spread spectrumSpread spectrumSpread-spectrum techniques are methods by which a signal generated in a particular bandwidth is deliberately spread in the frequency domain, resulting in a signal with a wider bandwidth... - Wideband Networking Waveform (WNW) (under development)
- Link-4A, -11B, - 16Link 16Link 16 is a military tactical data exchange network created and used by the United States and adopted by some of its Allies and by NATO. Its specification is part of the family of Tactical Data Links....
, -22/TADIL tactical data links, 960-1215 MHz+ - VHF-AM civilian Air Traffic ControlAir traffic controlAir traffic control is a service provided by ground-based controllers who direct aircraft on the ground and in the air. The primary purpose of ATC systems worldwide is to separate aircraft to prevent collisions, to organize and expedite the flow of traffic, and to provide information and other...
, 108-137 MHz, 25 (US) and 8.33 (European) kHz channels - High Frequency (HF) - Independent Side Band (ISB) with automatic link establishmentAutomatic link establishmentAutomatic Link Establishment, commonly known as ALE, is the worldwide de facto standard for digitally initiating and sustaining HF radio communications. ALE is a feature in an HF communications radio transceiver system, that enables the radio station to make contact, or initiate a circuit, between...
(ALE), and HF Air Traffic Control (ATC), 1.5-30 MHz - VHF/UHF-FM Land Mobile Radio (LMR), low-band 25-54 MHz, mid-band 72-76 MHz, high-band 136-175 MHz, 220-band 216-225 MHz, UHF/T 380-512 MHz, 800-band 764-869 MHz, TV-band 686-960 MHz, includes P25P25Project 25 is a suite of standards for digital radio communications for use by federal, state/province and local public safety agencies in North America to enable them to communicate with other agencies and mutual aid response teams in emergencies...
public safety and homeland defense standard - civilian marine VHF-FM radioMarine VHF radioMarine VHF radio is installed on all large ships and most seagoing small craft. It is used for a wide variety of purposes, including summoning rescue services and communicating with harbours, locks, bridges and marinas, and operates in the VHF frequency range, between 156 to 174 MHz...
, 156 MHz band - Second generation Anti-jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN), 225-400 MHz PSK Anti-jam
- Identification Friend or FoeIdentification friend or foeIn telecommunications, identification, friend or foe is an identification system designed for command and control. It is a system that enables military and national interrogation systems to identify aircraft, vehicles, or forces as friendly and to determine their bearing and range from the...
(IFF), includes Mark X & XII/A with Selective Identification Feature (SIF) and Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS), Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) and Traffic Alert & Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), and Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Addressable (ADS-A) and Broadcast (ADS-BAutomatic dependent surveillance-broadcastAutomatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast is a surveillance technology for tracking aircraft as part of the Next Generation Air Transportation System ...
) functionality, 1030 & 1090 MHz - Digital Wideband Transmission System (DWTS) Shipboard system for high capacity secure & nonsecure, line-of-sight (LOS), ship-to-ship, and ship-to-shore, 1350-1850 MHz
- Soldier Radio & Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), 1.755-1.850, 2.450-2.483.5 GHz, Army Land Warrior program 802.11
- Cellular telephone & PCS, includes multiple US and overseas standards and NSA/NIST Type 1 through 4 COMSEC (SCIP)
- Mobile Satellite Service (MSS), includes both VHF and UHF MSS bands and both fielded and emerging low Earth orbitLow Earth orbitA low Earth orbit is generally defined as an orbit within the locus extending from the Earth’s surface up to an altitude of 2,000 km...
and medium Earth orbitMedium Earth OrbitMedium Earth orbit , sometimes called intermediate circular orbit , is the region of space around the Earth above low Earth orbit and below geostationary orbit ....
systems and standards, such as Iridium, GlobalstarGlobalstarGlobalstar is a low Earth orbit satellite constellation for satellite phone and low-speed data communications, somewhat similar to the Iridium satellite constellation and Orbcomm satellite systems.-History:...
, et al. Includes capability for NSA/NIST Type 1 through 4 COMSEC, 1.61-2 [2.5] GHz. May allow use of geosynchronous satellites with special antenna.
- Integrated Broadcast Service Module (IBS-M). Currently three legacies UHF military broadcasts (TIBS, TDDS, and TRIXS) which will be replaced in the future with a Common Interactive Broadcast (CIB).
- BOWMANBowman (communications system)Bowman is the name of the tactical communications system used by the British Armed Forces.The Bowman C4I system consists of a range of HF radio, VHF radio and UHF radio sets designed to provide secure integrated voice, data services to dismounted soldiers, individual vehicles and command HQs up to...
, the UKUnited KingdomThe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
Tri-Service HF, VHF and UHF tactical communications system.
Several of the above waveforms will not be supported in JTRS Increment 1 and have been deferred to "later increments". Currently, only Increment 1 is funded. The requirements document for JTRS Increment 2 is under development. JTRS Increment 1 threshold waveforms include:
Waveform/Applicable radios (based on JTRS ORD Amendment 3.2.1 dtd 28 Aug 06)
- SRW: Small Form Fit, Manpack, AMF-Small Airborne, Ground Mobile Radio
- WNW: Ground Mobile Radio, AMF-Small Airborne
- MUOS: AMF-Small Airborne, AMF-Maritime, Manpack (funding was recently added for the manpack)
- Link-16: AMF-Small Airborne, MIDS-J
- UHF SATCOM DAMA: Manpack, Ground Mobile Radio, AMF-Maritime
- SINCGARS ESIP with INC: Ground Mobile Radio
- SINCGARS ESIP: Handheld, SFF, Manpack, Ground Mobile Radio
- EPLRS: Handheld, SFF, Manpack, Ground Mobile Radio
- HF SSB/ISB w/ALE: Ground Mobile Radio
- HF SSB w/ALE: Manpack
- JAN-TE: MIDS-J
Problems and restructuring
In March 2005, the JTRS program was restructured to add a Joint Program Executive Office, a unified management structure to coordinate development of the four radio versions.In March 2006, the JPEO recommended changing the management structure, reducing the scope of the project, extending the deadline, and adding money. The JPEO's recommendations were accepted.
The program is focusing on the toughest part: transformational networking. The JTRS radio is to be a telephone, computer and router in one box that can transmit from 2 MHz to 2 GHz.
A September 2006 Government Accountability Office
Government Accountability Office
The Government Accountability Office is the audit, evaluation, and investigative arm of the United States Congress. It is located in the legislative branch of the United States government.-History:...
report said these changes had helped reduce the risk of more cost and schedule overruns to "moderate."
The U.S. military no longer plans to quickly replace all of its 750,000 tactical radios. The program is budgeted at $6.8 billion to produce 180,000 radios, an average cost per radio of $37,700. Program delays forced DOD to spend an estimated $11 billion to buy more existing tactical radios, such as the U.S. Marine Corps' Integrated, Intra-Squad Radio
Integrated, Intra-Squad Radio
The Integrated, Intra-Squad Radio is a secure handheld 2-way radio, produced by Motorola for the US Marine Corps. Its intended purpose is squad-level communications during urban warfare. The USMC has ordered 60,000 radios to be used until replaced by the more complex JTRS cluster 5 spiral 2 radio...
, the AN/PRC-117F
AN/PRC-117F
The AN/PRC-117F Multiband Manpack Radio, or Multiband Multi Mission Radio , is a man-portable, tactical software-defined combat-net radio covering the 30-512 MHz frequency range. The radio is manufactured by Harris Corporation...
and the AN/PRC-150
AN/PRC-150
The AN/PRC-150 Multiband Radio, also known as the Falcon II, is a manpack, tactical HF and VHF radio manufactured by Harris Corporation...
.
On June 22, 2007, the Joint Program Executive Office issued the first JTRS-Approved radio (not JTRS-Certified) production contract. It gave Harris Corporation
Harris Corporation
Harris Corporation is a Florida-based international communications equipment company that produces wireless equipment, electronic systems, and both terrestrial and spaceborne antennas for use in the government, defense, and commercial sectors. It is also the largest private-sector employer in...
$2.7 billion and Thales Communications Inc. $3.5 billion for first-year procurement and allowed the firms to compete for more parts of the five-year program. Harris could make up to $7 billion; Thales, $9 billion.
In July 2008, the head of OSD AT&L conducted a 10-hour program review after costs continued to grow. Additionally, the JTRS Ground Mobile Radio program, originally funded at around $370 million, has now exceeded $1 billion despite reduced requirements.
History
- CONDOR (Command and Control on the Move Network, Digital Over the Horizon Relay)
During the Iraq War, the USMC developed their own system using commercial off the shelf technology, combining satcoms with wifi, that has worked ever since.
- Ground Mobile Radios
- GMR - formerly Cluster 1, run by the Army, was to equip Marine and Army ground vehicles, Air Force Tactical Air Control Parties (TACPs), and Army helicopters. Cluster 1 also included the development of a Wideband Networking Waveform (WNW), a next-generation Internet protocolInternet ProtocolThe Internet Protocol is the principal communications protocol used for relaying datagrams across an internetwork using the Internet Protocol Suite...
(IP)-based waveform designed to allow mobile ad-hoc networking (MANET). In 2005, the cluster was renamed Ground Mobile Radios (GMR) with the Air Force TACP and Army helicopter radios deleted.
- GMR - formerly Cluster 1, run by the Army, was to equip Marine and Army ground vehicles, Air Force Tactical Air Control Parties (TACPs), and Army helicopters. Cluster 1 also included the development of a Wideband Networking Waveform (WNW), a next-generation Internet protocol
- Handeheld Manpack & Small Form Fit
- HMS - formally Cluster 5, led by the Army, is developing handheld, man-portable, and smaller radios. In 2006, it was renamed HMS, for Handheld, Manpack, and Small Form Factor.
- Airborne & Maritime/Fixed Station
- AMF - formerly Clusters 3 and 4: Cluster 3 aimed to develop a maritime / fixed radio. It was led by the Navy and grew out of the Navy's previous Digital Modular Radio program. Cluster 4, led by the Air Force, aimed to provide radios to Air Force and Navy fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. In 2004, Clusters 3 and 4 were combined into the Airborne and Maritime / Fixed-Station program. In 2006, the Army helicopter radio was added to this cluster. In early 2008, JTRS AMF attained Milestone B after it received an additional $700 million. Cost estimates conducted by OSD's CAIG determined that the original amount, just over $500 million, was too little.On March 28, 2008, Lockheed Martin announced that the JTRS Joint Program Executive Office picked it to design and provide tactical communications and networking gear for the Air Force, Army, Navy and other users. The initial System Development and Demonstration (SDD) contract value is $766 million. Subcontractors will include BAE Systems, General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon. Work will be conducted at Scottsdale, Ariz.; San Diego, Calif.; Tampa, Fla.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; Gaithersburg, Md.; St. Paul, Minn.; Wayne, N.J.; Charleston, S.C.; and Chantilly and Reston, Va.
- MIDS JTRS - In 2006, the JTRS program took over the effort to improve the Multifunctional Information Distribution System Low Volume Terminal (MIDS-LVT) design, which was developed by a 5-nation consortium in the 1990s. This program was renamed MIDS-JTRS and has also experience cost growth and delays.
- Special Radios
- JEM. - formally Cluster 2, was renamed the JTRS JEM program, adds JTRS capability to the existing handheld AN/PRC-148AN/PRC-148The AN/PRC-148 Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio is the most widely fielded handheld multiband, tactical software-defined radio, in use with NATO forces around the world. The radio is built by Thales Communications, a subsidiary of the Thales Group...
Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio (MBITR) to create the JTRS Enhanced MBITR (JEM). Led by U.S. Special Operations CommandUnited States Special Operations CommandThe United States Special Operations Command is the Unified Combatant Command charged with overseeing the various Special Operations Commands of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps of the United States Armed Forces. The command is part of the Department of Defense...
, the development effort has certified and fielded the radio.
- JEM. - formally Cluster 2, was renamed the JTRS JEM program, adds JTRS capability to the existing handheld AN/PRC-148