Navy Moves Nearer to Deployment of Tactical Radio System

By RAMON LOPEZ
Special Correspondent

Boeing's work on the first segment of the Pentagon's multibillion dollar Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) is now well under way as rivals seek to share development and production of the interoperable software-programmable tactical radios.

The JTRS effort was initiated in 1997 to develop a family of software-defined radios, providing secure voice, data, and video communications for the four U.S military services. Most of the 750,000 radios they operate today are single-mode radios that operate in a single frequency band. As a result, most radios are incompatible with those of other services or organizations. JTRS will ultimately replace them all. The concept centers on a worldwide global information grid with JTRS playing key roles in interconnection and services.

As a software-programmable radio, JTRS will function much like a personal computer able to run software programs designed for a host of PCs. For JTRS, communications functions are based on software--not hardware--with the Software Communications Architecture (SCA) serving as the basic operating software. An open architecture framework allows hardware and software to operate in harmony within the JTRS, enabling programmable radios to run applications and be networked into an integrated system.

Air Force Col. Steven MacLaird, director of the JTRS Joint Program Office, said, "Many of the identified requirements do push the boundaries of current technology. Because JTRS sets will be modular and software-intensive, it will be easier and far more economical to add capabilities by downloading new software, or swapping out a chip, rather than replacing a whole class of radio sets to gain new functionality. This flexibility and adaptability is part of what makes the JTRS program truly transformational--this is not just a new radio; it's a whole new approach to design, development, and acquisition."

JTRS will be able to handle the new JTRS-specific Wideband Networking Waveform and 33 radio waveforms that operate in the frequency range between 2MHz-2GHz. JTRS radios will be able to communicate with the legacy radios that will remain in service for many years. (In June, the Department of Defense required that all communications systems, including those operating above 2GHz, be developed in compliance with JTRS.)

JTRS implementation has been divided into 'clusters' with five such clusters being identified to date. The initial element of the JTRS program, called Cluster 1, began in June 2002 with the Army's selection of a Boeing-led team to produce more than 100,000 JTRS radios for ground vehicles and helicopters.

Boeing is the prime systems integrator responsible for development of two qualified hardware production sources. TRW is responsible for the integration of ground platforms. BAE Systems (partnered with Harris) and Rockwell Collins are developing the Cluster 1 ground vehicular and airborne radios. Boeing will later determine which radio maker will be awarded the majority of the work.

Under Cluster 2, Thales Communications is adapting handheld radios used by U.S. Special Operations Command units to be SCA-compliant. The clusters still to be contracted include: the Navy-run Cluster 3 (maritime and fixed-site radios); Air Force-led Cluster 4 (Air Force and Navy fixed-wing, manned, and unmanned aircraft); and Cluster 5 (handheld and manpack radios supporting the Army's Objective Force Warrior and Future Combat System programs). A future cluster might yield a JTRS radio operating above 2GHz.

The JTRS Maritime and Fixed Station Cluster is managed by the Navy's Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command. Cluster 3 will provide JTRS sets for maritime platforms and fixed site sets for all the U.S. armed forces.

The Cluster 3 acquisition program is structured with several phases or blocks. Block 1 involves the adaptation of currently fielded Digital Modular Radios to become compliant with the JTRS SCA. In November 2002, the Navy selected General Dynamics Decision Systems for the DMR upgrade, which will satisfy narrowband waveform requirements. Block 2 will provide for narrowband and wideband requirements, including the Wideband Networking Waveform.

"The JTRS program schedule has always been very aggressive but we have achieved many milestones," MacLaird said. "Cluster 2 is on track ... Clusters 3 and 4 are expected to be on contract soon--but much later than originally anticipated. Cluster 5 is in the process of source selection, with anticipated award in February 2004."

Boeing says Cluster 1 system design and development and low-rate initial production of 10,000 JTRS radios could be worth over $2 billion. The U.S. General Accounting Office estimates that fielding an estimated 250,000 JTRS radios would cost $14.4 billion.

Ramon Lopez is a Washington, D.C.-based freelance writer specializing in aerospace and defense subjects.