JTRS Update
Editor’s Note: This is another in a regular series of updates on the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS), as provided by the program’s Joint Program Executive Office (JPEO).
The Joint Program Executive Office Joint Tactical Radio System Network Enterprise Domain (NED) has announced the delivery of the Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) v1.0c Unattended Ground Sensor (UGS)/ Non-Line of Sight (NLOS)/Soldier System (SS) software release package to the JTRS Information Repository, making it available to Department of Defense and commercial industrywide authorized users.
“Delivery of SRW capability is an absolutely essential enabler in achieving the JTRS enterprise vision of delivering networking capability to warfighters at the tactical edge,” said Navy Captain Jeff Hoyle, JTRS Network Enterprise Domain program manager.
The delivery follows the successful completion of the Formal Qualification Testing (FQT) for the SS domain version of the SRW in January 2009, and the successful FQT for the UGS/NLOS domain variant in September 2008. SRW v1.0c (UGS/NLOS/SS) is now the first formally qualified JTRS Increment I networking waveform that provides voice, data and video to the tactical edge for sensor, handheld, man-pack, vehicular and airborne radio sets (multiple form factors) for multiple JTRS domain product lines.
This release is a major milestone toward establishing SRW on JTR sets to provide voice, data and video tactical communications services to echelons at battalion and below in support of network-centric operations. The SRW capabilities will increase the combat effectiveness of individual warfighters and small combat units by improving command and control and battlefield situational awareness during mounted and dismounted ground operations.
“SRW v1.0c delivers an order-of-magnitude increase in secure throughput for voice, video and data that can be packaged in software-defined radios as small as a hockey puck to enable Internet Protocol networking of individual soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, as well as small, unmanned ground and air sensors and vehicles,” according to Hoyle. “SRW networks on JTRScompliant radios will ensure the Army or Marine corporal making tactical decisions on the urban battlefield does so with a fuller understanding of the strategic and operational implications of those decisions.”
Porting efforts are under way for multiple defense communications software-defined radios, including the JTRS Handheld/Manpack/Small Form Factor and Ground Mobile Radio platforms. Establishing SRW on these radio platforms is critical to achieving the operational vision of the Army’s Future Combat System and providing a robust networking capability down to the individual soldier, sailor, airman and Marine engaged in tactical field operations.
This event will help enable DoD’s shift from the legacy Enhanced Position Locations Reporting System (circa 1990) and Single Channel Ground and Air Radio System (circa 1980) waveforms to a more bandwidthefficient waveform in SRW. SRW also supports Army plans to provide troops a wearable radio by 2011 that can carry voice and data signals farther than current devices, using a higher-bandwidth waveform to enhance connectivity and situational awareness.
NETWORK ENTERPRISE DOMAIN
The goal of the JPEO JTRS NED is to develop and deliver portable, interoperable, mobile ad hoc networking waveforms and enterprise network services management to enhance tactical warfighting capabilities. NED products produce the networking capability that allows U.S. soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen to access and share relevant and timely information.
JTRS, located within the JPEO, headquartered in San Diego, Calif., was initiated in 1997 to improve and consolidate the services’ independent solutions to replace legacy radios in the DoD inventory. In 2005, under DoD direction, the JTRS program evolved from separate radio replacement programs into the JPEO, firmly establishing the leadership and guidance of the joint program executive officer by 2006.
JTRS is an integrated effort to network multiple weapon system platforms and forward combat units where it matters most—the last tactical mile. JTRS fundamentally develops open architecture using cutting edge radio waveform technology that allows multiple radio types, such as handheld, aircraft or maritime, to communicate with each other.
The goal is to produce a family of interoperable, modular softwaredefined 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, coalition partners and, in time, disaster response personnel. ♦
