Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC)
The Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) will combine the functionality of numerous single function radios among the Services into a single, Joint-interoperable family of radios. Radio procurements are grouped into clusters based on similarity of requirements and required fielding schedules. There are four defined clusters within the JTRS program:
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(1) Cluster 1- Army: Vehicular and Rotary Wing Radios
(2) Cluster 2- Special Operations Command: Single Channel Hand-Held Radios
(3) Cluster AMF-Air Force / Navy: Airborne, Shipborne, and Fixed Station Radios
(4) Cluster 5- Army: Multi-Channel Hand-Held, Man Pack and Small Form Factor Radios
JITC has a major test and certification role in the JTRS program. Standards and specifications conformance testing and certification will be conducted on JTRS waveforms ported onto Cluster radio sets. JITC will provide a conformance certification memorandum for each waveform successfully tested. The JITC will also perform Joint interoperability testing and certification on all JTR sets. The interoperability testing will be conducted in conjunction with JTRS Cluster Multiservice Operational Test and Evaluation (MOT&E) tests that are conducted by designated Operational Test Agencies (OTA). However, the below described test facility can be used to augment interoperability testing.
The JITC JTRS Test Facility became a reality in mid 2000, when JITC became involved with the JTRS program. Existing facilities did not provide adequate space and equipment to support the magnitude of testing that the JTRS program will require. Funding was obtained from the JTRS Joint Program Office to build a new facility and purchase equipment in support of future JTRS testing. A ribbon cutting ceremony of the facility was conducted on 20 Nov 2002.
The test facility has a LAN-based test capability to perform simultaneous, manual and automated testing of multiple radios. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art portable and fixed test equipment that allows it to perform all standard radio frequency measurements on handheld, manpack, vehicular, airborne, and shipboard radio systems.
