Solving Fleet Interoperability Challenges:
Joint Radio Relay 2

Mission Area

Operation Enduring Freedom Tactical Communications Support

Problem

• Joint Forces (USAF Lead) required “reach back” comm capability for coalition Enduring Freedom strike aircraft to a central, combat Area of Responsibility (AOR) control site
• The comm system capability needed by winter 2002, 2003
• No USAF activities were available to take on development of the system
• System dubbed, “Joint Radio Relay” (JR2) System
  

Solutions

• NSWC Corona had designed/installed range systems for USAF ranges for several years
• USAF’s Air Combat Command (ACC) tasked Corona to design and field this unique tactical comm system in July 2002
• JR2 (one command & control (C2) module/small van; five remotes (vans)) flown by C-17 from March ARB to AOR the day after Thanksgiving, 2002
  

Impact

• JR2 operational in AOR in February 2003
• JR2 provides coalition strike air forces with 24/7 comm capability to central C2 AOR site
• Cost of JR2 design and fielding approx. $3M
• Cost-savings of $8.5M/month in coalition Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) services
• Phase II cost estimate and design forwarded to USAF in March 04.