Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) Recapitalization

[Triton]

Boeing Aerial Ground Surveillance (AGS) concept based on the P-8A Poseidon as a E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) replacement.

Source:
http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/aircraft-pictures/2010/03/boeing-pitches-p-8-variant-to.html

 

[Spook]

Here is the another Picture of the Proposal From Boeing:

according to the source its name is P-8A MMA.


Source:
http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/military/read.main/118210

AK

 

[Triton]

Here is the another Picture of the Proposal From Boeing:

according to the source its name is P-8A MMA.


Source:
http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/military/read.main/118210

AK

That is a cutaway of the Boeing 737 SIGINT signals intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft that can be used for airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and also advanced network centric communications. It is based upon the P-8A Poseidon Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA).

A replacement for the Lockheed EP-3A/B Orion and EP-3E Aries/Aries II?

Source:
http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2006/q1/060124a_nr.html
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/acs-failure-fallout-boeing-to-offer-sigint-737-updated-01795/

 

[Spook]

I am very sorry Sir.... I am just a young boy (18) trying to learn more.... thanks again for correcting me!

 

[Triton]

I am very sorry Sir.... I am just a young boy (18) trying to learn more.... thanks again for correcting me!

No worries. B)

 

[Triton]

Artist's impression of Boeing P-8 AGS (Airbourne Ground Surveillance) concept to replace the Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS).

Source:

http://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Boeing-looks-to-sell-more-737-based-military-jets-1417659.php#photo-1043746

http://www.ien.com/ienblog.aspx?id=169012

P-8 "JSTARS" - Poder Aéreo – Aviação, Forças Aéreas, Indústria Aeroespacial e de Defesa

A USAF deverá substituir suas aeronaves radar E-8 JSTARS na missão de vigilância terrestre. Uma...

www.aereo.jor.br

'ë¶ë¥ ì 체보기' ì¹´íê³ ë¦¬ì ê¸ ëª©ë¡ (214 Page)

ì¤ì¸ì§ ì¬ê¸´ì§ê° 미ëì´ - íê³µ, ëë¡ , UAV, ATM, UAM, UTM, êµ°ì¬, êµë°©, 무기, ì ì±

www.mediapaper.kr

 

[Triton]

More about information about the Boeing P-8 AGS (Airbourne Ground Surveillance) concept may be found here:

http://www.aviationweek.com/blogs.aspx?plckblogid=blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckpostid=blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7post:5c63c63c-3cea-41ce-bec5-d9f10eebd960

 

[Grey Havoc]

Now the USAF is going for a business jet solution (which is likely, IMHO, to be a disaster): http://aviationweek.com/defense/us-air-force-scrimps-jstars-recap-program

 

[_Del_]

The Israelis love their G550's. They use them for both AEW and ELINT work(separate models). Not sure why such a conversion wouldn't work for the USAF. The only thing missing that you might want would be inflight refueling.

 

[XP67_Moonbat]

I saw SDB's on the wing hardpoints. But what would be carried in the weapons bay aft?

 

[sferrin]

Now the USAF is going for a business jet solution (which is likely, IMHO, to be a disaster): http://aviationweek.com/defense/us-air-force-scrimps-jstars-recap-program

The only advantage I could see is the higher cruising altitude (which translates into more radar range). Aside from that I can't think of a single thing to warrant a business jet versus the P-8 airframe.

 

[Hobbes]

The RAF has Sentinels (based on the Bombardier Global Express), and seems satisfied with them. Hard to see why a similar platform would be a "disaster".

 

[Bill Walker]

The bizjet will offer the same or better altitude and endurance, at a lower hourly cost. It loses on weight and volume of payload, but two factors are making this less and less of an issue: miniaturization, and budgets.

 

[Triton]

"Boeing, Lockheed, Northrop make JSTARS cut"
By: James Drew
Washington DC
Source: Flightglobal.com

Source:
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-lockheed-northrop-make-jstars-cut-415515/

 

[bobbymike]

JSTARS Successor Finalists Picked

—John A. Tirpak

8/10/2015

​​​Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop are the finalists in the hunt to replace the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS), the Air Force announced Aug. 7. Boeing received a $9.95-million contract; while Lockheed Martin received $11.5 million and Northrop Grumman received a $10-million award, all identically worded. They will pursue "pre-engineering, and manufacturing development efforts" on the recapitalization project, during which they will assess technology maturity, "reduce weapon system integration risk, and lower life cycle cost by virtue of design." USAF said it received four offers, of which it picked three. An Air Force official said the contractors will conduct a full system review, a preliminary design review, and build subsystem prototype demonstrators. The contracts should be followed in early September by a "Milestone A" review by Pentagon acquisition, technology and logistics chief Frank Kendall. In mid-July, USAF acquisition chief William LaPlante said there could be a contract award in three years. The Air Force wants initial operating capability of the selected system in 2023. In a recent interview with Air Force Magazine, LaPlante said the program remains in a budgetary "gray area" and may or may not be affordable in the long run, depending on whether sequestration returns. USAF plans to pay for the program by reducing the existing E-8C JSTARS fleet and using the operating savings to finance the replacement.

Differing JSTARS Concepts

—John A. Tirpak

8/10/2015

​​The Air Force went for diversity in its three choices as finalists in the competition to recapitalize the E-8C JSTARS fleet. The Air Force broadly indicated it wanted the airplane to be based on a "business jet," which a spokesman said was a generic term for a "commercially available class of aircraft" smaller than the E-8C. Boeing's JSTARS recap would be hosted aboard its 737-700 airplane, with many systems borrowed from its P-8 Poseidon maritime surveillance airplane. Northrop Grumman—which was the E-8 JSTARS integrator—flew a demonstrator around to USAF bases in recent months aboard a Gulfstream 550. Lockheed Martin announced at the Paris Air Show in June it had teamed with Raytheon and Bombardier on a proposal to be hosted on Bombardier's Global 6000 business jet. The Air Force plans to fly a radar between 16 and 20 feet long aboard the JSTARS recap. The service expects the next JSTARS to fly at about 40,000 feet, and take advantage of commercial systems and engines as much as possible. The program is ranked fourth or fifth on USAF's list of top-five priority programs, which include the F-35 fighter, KC-46 tanker, Long-Range Strike Bomber and T-X trainer. Under the pre-EMD contracts awarded Friday, the selected contractors are meant to identify the highest-risk elements of the JSTARS recap and offer ways to reduce that risk.

 

[Grey Havoc]

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/raytheon-and-northrop-to-receive-jstars-radar-contra-421264/

EDIT: Earlier story from November of last year.

 

[Boxman]

Admittedly, I am way out of depth in this subject, but as a layman, it appears the Advanced Airborne Sensor (AAS) (derived/evolved from the AN/APS-149) has been or is well on the way to being integrated on the P-8A Poseidon (which was designed and built with such an installation in mind), and that system would seem suitable to tailor for the JSTARS mission.

With that said, why is the US Air Force seeking a wholly different airframe (in the case of the Bombardier Global 6000) or even slightly different (737-700 BBJ-derived) airframe for the role, when we are talking about procuring only ~10 aircraft?

Would it not make more sense to "simply" procure a variant (sans weapons bay and hardpoints) of the P-8 for the JSTARS Recap for the benefit of not only sunk costs of developing and flight testing a mil-spec aircraft, but the economies of scale that would flow from common parts, common training, etc. with the 100+ P-8s programmed to be procured (not to mention the worldwide pool of parts afforded by literally thousands of 737NGs in service)? Plus, the flexibility for expansion afforded by the -800 based fuselage?

Simply, what is the benefit to the taxpayer of purchasing a Global 6000/737BBJ second-generation JSTARS, when it would appear (to this layman) that an AAS-equipped P-8 variant would fulfill the role?

 

[Grey Havoc]

Congressional panel questions USAF's JSTARS radar plan (Flightglobal)

 

[bobbymike]

Beyond JSTARS: Rethinking the Combined Airborne Battle Management and Ground Surveillance Mission

http://media.wix.com/ugd/a2dd91_29fce3342eea423ab1a340d58ce23178.pdf

 

[bring_it_on]

JSTARS RFP on hold due to congressional concerns about fixed-price EMD phase


NATIONAL HARBOR, MD -- A request for proposals for the next-generation Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System is on hold until the Air Force and Congress can resolve a discrepancy over whether the program's engineering and manufacturing development phase should be under a firm fixed-price contract.

The service's current plan is to award a "hybrid" contract that would be a combination of cost-plus and firm fixed-price. Darlene Costello, the service's acquisition executive, told reporters during a Sept. 21 briefing here at the Air Force Association's annual conference that a change to the acquisition strategy could delay the RFP release from three to six months and push initial operational capability back by one year. The service currently expects to make a contract award in early fiscal year 2018 and declare IOC in FY-23.

"A generic, firm fixed-price contract for EMD is a challenge for us," Costello said.

Costello briefed reporters along with Lt. Gen. Arnold Bunch, the Air Force's top military acquisition official. Neither would say how long they expect the delay to last.

"We just want to make sure we have an executable plan," Bunch said. "We've had a lot of discussions over the last few weeks . . . and we still have a little bit of a way to go, specifically on the contract portion."

The Senate Armed Services Committee included language in its FY-17 defense spending bill that would restrict JSTARS funding unless the service opts for a fixed-price contract. House appropriators also included language that would prevent JSTARS recapitalization funding from being allocated toward the program's radar risk-reduction effort beyond December 2017.

Senate authorizers also encouraged the Air Force to consider managing the program using rapid acquisition practices and would like to pull IOC forward to FY-22. Costello said she understands Congress wants to move ahead quickly with the JSTARS recapitalization effort and said the service has shared information with committee staff about how a change in strategy could impact the program's schedule.

"We've shared that information with them in our conversation and they understand," she said. "We understand their intent is to do this fast. And that's why we're having these conversations."

 

[Grey Havoc]

http://www.defensenews.com/articles/jstars-recap-program-moves-forward-after-pentagon-nixes-fixed-price-contract-requirement

 

[Grey Havoc]

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-solicits-final-bids-for-69-billion-jstars-dea-432805/

 

[Grey Havoc]

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/northrop-changes-jstars-leadership-after-grounding-a-434794/

 

[bobbymike]

http://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2017/07/18/industry_heavyweights_make_final_push_for_new_air_force_spy_plane_111835.html

 

[Triton]

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works JSTARS Recap proposal

Published on Sep 20, 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUxvmx0Ol-Q

 

[Grey Havoc]

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-teases-jstars-decision-for-end-of-october-441879/

Looks like the JSTARS replacement may be for the chop in order to fund yet more F-35 cost overruns...

 

[Hood]

It seems USAF doubts over whether the JSTARS could operate in contested airspace is one of the reasons the decision has been delayed, especially since other existing platforms are offering similar GMTI capability.

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-doubts-new-jstars-could-fly-in-contested-airsp-443495/

 

[SpudmanWP]

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-teases-jstars-decision-for-end-of-october-441879/

Looks like the JSTARS replacement may be for the chop in order to fund yet more F-35 cost overruns...

It's more likely that it's due to a downturn in the economy, most of Obama's years only generating CRs, and the present environment of Sequestration that they have to deal with not to mention the article's point that technology & the threat has bypassed the need for large ISR platforms.

Btw, Last I checked the F-35 was doing quite well in the budget department and is well on it's way to the sub $85mil (URF) range.

 

[marauder2048]

Several presentations at this year's National Fire Control Symposium on
AFRL's Passive Radio Frequency (RF) Identification Environment (PRIDE) which
is a bi-static SAR automatic target recognition/combat identification
effort using strike fighters as receivers with ESM-fused identification assist.

The transmitter/illuminator is friendly and non-colocated.

https://www.usasymposium.com/nfcs/agenda.php

 

[Boxman]

Boeing has just posted on YouTube today this promotional video for their 737 JSTARS proposal.
YouTube - Boeing: "Boeing JSTARS, Lowest Cost to Own & Operate"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFQ8GnBTuUM

 

[flateric]

https://www.defensenews.com/breaking-news/2018/02/10/air-force-to-kill-jstars-recap-program-for-new-battlefield-management-plane/

 

[Grey Havoc]

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-defence-bill-cuts-jstars-450624/

 

[AN/AWW-14(V)]

modernization ongoing

E-8C: COUNTER-UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM CUEING AND IDENTIFICATION

ANG E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) requires an electronic intelligence (ELINT) system capable of detecting emissions from unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), to include both the aircraft and the remote controllers. This system will provide an organic capability to aid in the detection and identification of UAS-type targets in a contested, degraded environment. The E-8C lacks the capability to positively identify objects of interest detected by onboard sensors. This ELINT capability enables an accurate characterization of detected objects in the joint battlespace and provides decision quality data to the operator for the timely application of military options. It will be used to cue other sensors for faster acquisition of target information. This integrated capability will also aid in target recognition, threat awareness, and informed command and control of the battlespace. Each of the 116th Air Control Wing’s 16 E-8C aircraft requires an ELINT identification system. In addition, it needs to be incorporated into each of the three associated aircrew training devices.

E-8C: FIFTH-TO-FOURTH GENERATION COMMUNICATIONS GATEWAY

ANG E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) requires the capability to act as a communications gateway, bridging the 5th to 4th Generation (Gen) fighter data link interoperability gaps. Current 4th Gen data link participants, to include fighters, bombers, and attack aircraft, cannot receive information from 5th Gen fighters, which forces the aircraft to perform combat operations without essential information and lacking situational awareness. By collecting and disseminating F-22 In-Flight Data Link and F-35 Multi-function Advanced Data Link information through an E-8C “524” communications gateway, which would convert the 5th Gen data to 4th Gen Link 16 messages, all Link 16 enabled aircraft will be able to utilize data received from 5th Gen aircraft, creating a significantly more accurate common operating picture. In addition, improved situational awareness will greatly increase the efficiency of E-8C JSTARS battle management, target prioritization/cross-cueing, and improve accountability within their command and control area of responsibility. Each of the 116th Air Control Wing’s 16 E-8C aircraft requires a “524” gateway, which also needs to be incorporated into each of the associated aircrew training devices.

E-8C: COMMAND AND CONTROL ENTERPRISE COMMON BATTLE MANAGEMENT SUITE

ANG E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) requires a common, with the command and control (C2) enterprise, battle management suite. The E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System, Control and Reporting Center, and Battle Control Center Theater Air Control System (TACS) platforms have transitioned or initiated transition to this common C2 software suite. This will increase crew efficiency on board the JSTARS weapon system through rapid target prioritization and enhanced defensive threat awareness. The suite will also fall in line with the open architecture initiative, yielding a universal programing language for all future software and hardware integration. Additionally, this will decrease transition training timelines for members migrating within the TACS community. Each of the 116th Air Control Wing’s 16 E-8C aircraft requires the common battle management suite. In addition, it needs to be incorporated into each of the three associated aircrew training devices.

E-8C: INCREASED COMMERCIAL / MILITARY BEYOND LINE-OF-SIGHT INTERNET BANDWIDTH CAPABILITY

ANG E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) aircraft require increased beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) bandwidth on available commercial and military networks. The E-8C JSTARS is rapidly running out of available on-board communications capacity. This forces the aircrew to reduce or shutdown communication channels in order to ensure others remain sustainable. Increasing the onboard BLOS bandwidth solves these challenges and allows the aircrew to continuously exploit multi-intelligence fusion tools, remotely piloted aircraft feeds, and satellite communications networks. An increase in bandwidth upload and download speed enhances the organic capabilities of the aircrew to detect patterns of life and anomalies within large volumes of geospatial data. This will save aircrew time by helping to organize complex mission data into cohesive products quickly. Expanding connectivity throughput will also enable aircrew to overlay hundreds of analyst intelligence layers onto a single operating picture. Each of the 116th Air Control Wing’s 16 E-8C aircraft requires increased bandwidth. In addition, it needs to be incorporated into each of the three associated aircrew training devices.

E-8C: SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES – INTEGRATED SITUATIONAL AWARENESS DATA LINK

ANG E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) requires the capability to provide a Situational Awareness Data Link (SADL) gateway for USAF, ANG, and other SADL-equipped users to include special operations forces (SOF). In many E-8C areas of responsibility, no SADL gateway is available, which prevents SADL users from receiving critical information broadcast over Link 16. SADL is an integral part of ANG F-16 and A-10 digital communications capabilities, is used by a number of ground forces, and is key to execution of multiple counter-air and counter-land missions. In order to better integrate close air support, dynamic interdiction, combat search and rescue, and non-traditional intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft and SOF personnel, gateways are needed to provide a conduit for data and information sharing, enabling battle space visualization between Link 16 and SADL participants for air-to-surface and air-to-air missions. In addition, the SADL gateway will increase the efficiency of E-8C JSTARS battle management and enhance accountability within areas of responsibility. Each of the 116th Air Control Wing’s 16 E-8C aircraft requires a SADL gateway. In addition, it needs to be incorporated into each of the three associated aircrew training devices.

https://www.ang.af.mil/Portals/77/documents/Resources/2019 Mod Book v2.pdf?ver=2019-05-30-122634-043

 

[AN/AWW-14(V)]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1243592808193232896

 

[Jason Dykstra (Wyvern)]

I found this a while back and, unfortunately, I forgot where I got it from. This seems to be a proposal based off of the Gulfstream G550. I hope it might help.

 

[Grey Havoc]

HASC TacAir Skeptical ABMS Can Replace ISR Aircraft - Breaking Defense

The HASC tactical air and land forces subcommittee wants the Air Force to explain "how ABMS intends to transition demonstrated capabilities into sustainable Programs of Record."

breakingdefense.com

 

[Grey Havoc]

ABMS In Trouble: Rep. Smith Wants $85M Cut - Breaking Defense

The MQ-9 Reaper drone is the big winner in the 2021 NDAA markup by HASC Chair Adam Smith, receiving a whopping $108 million increase above the $29.5 million request.

breakingdefense.com

 

[Grey Havoc]

Air Force Working To Minimize Damage From ABMS Budget Cut - Breaking Defense

"We're doing everything in our power to keep efforts going, because we believe ... it's the right way to help design our future force,"acting Air Force acquisition head Darlene Costello says.

breakingdefense.com

 

[Grey Havoc]

Air Force curtails ABMS demos after budget slashed by Congress

Only two Advanced Battle Management System demonstrations will be held in 2021.

www.c4isrnet.com

ABMS is the Air Force’s piece of the Joint All-Domain Command and Control concept, which seeks to link all of the military’s aircraft, sensors and other weapons systems. Originally envisioned as a replacement for Air Force platforms, such as the E-8C JSTARS ground surveillance plane, the program has evolved into an Internet of Things for the military.

 

[Jason Dykstra (Wyvern)]

These were the proposals for the JSTARS replacement program as of 2015. The proposals are from Boeing, Gulfstream and Lockheed.

Boeing, Lockheed, Northrop make JSTARS cut

The US Air Force has picked Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman to carry its infant Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System Recapitalization programme forward, sidelining an unnamed fourth bidder.

www.flightglobal.com