BBN Technologies

Real-time information and effective communications among joint forces are critical, especially in today's defense environment. The Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS), considered a pivotal transformation program within the Department of Defense (DoD), is a joint service initiative that addresses the growing need for integrated air, ground, and sea communications systems, that enable a network-centric capability for joint taskforces and multi-national coalitions to conduct efficient and effective military operations.

A Boeing-led team of premier ground and airborne system integrators and hardware providers is under contract with the U.S. Army to design, develop and produce the first of several "clusters" of software programmable JTRS radios for the military services under the JTRS Cluster 1 System Development and Demonstration (SDD) and Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) phases of the program. Cluster 1 develops two hardware sources and the required software (waveforms and radio system core framework); then procures, tests, fields, and supports the radios on Army, Marine, and Air Force ground and Army air platforms through LRIP. Approximately 10,000 radio systems could be produced through LRIP, with deliveries expected to begin in FY06. Cluster 1 also includes the development of a Wideband Networking Waveform (WNW) system. The WNW is a next-generation Internet Protocol (IP)-based waveform designed to provide ad hoc mobile networking for military users.

JTRS WNW Capabilities

The power of JTRS Cluster 1 lies in its ability to form an ad hoc mobile wireless network of vehicular and airborne platforms using the WNW system. The WNW enables connectivity as the platforms move around the battlefield by understanding the platforms it can communicate with and modifying the routing of information based on the platforms in contact. The WNW provides the following advantages on the battlefield:

• New levels of joint interoperability across services
• Improved connectivity through link availability and reliability
• Optimized bandwidth utilization while maintaining high security requirements
• A capability-based technology insertion migration path
• A network management solution that improves operator efficiency, reduces operator errors and results in increased network situational awareness
• Voice, data and video throughputs not available in current systems
• Security through the use of high assurance IP-based encryption