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| FY98 Annual Report | |||
Advanced Crystal Video Receiver (ACVR) AN/ALR-69
| Air Force ACAT III Program: | Prime Contractor | |
| Total Number of Systems: | 1,060 | No Prime Contractor has been identified at |
| Total Program Cost (TY$): | $114M | this time. Warner Robins Air Logistics Center |
| Average Unit Cost (TY$): | $20K | is the responsible government integrator for |
| Full-rate production: | 1QFY01 | the ACVR program. |
| Service Certified Y2K Compliant | ||
| No |
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION & CONTRIBUTION TO JOINT VISION 2010
The Advanced Crystal Video Receiver (ACVR) contributes to full-dimensional protection by improving individual aircraft probability of survival through improved aircrew situation awareness of the radar guided threat environment. ACVR consists of a radio frequency (RF) Triplexer, Extended Range Dual Log Video Amplifier, and Logic Board. ACVR will replace the existing preamplifier of the ALR-69 Radar Warning Receiver (RWR). ACVR will provide increased receiver sensitivity, dynamic range, and pulse density/signal-processing capability. Additionally, ACVR will reduce maintenance costs through improved reliability and maintainability and enhanced Built-In-Test.
The ACVR upgrade is designed to increase the types of threats that ALR-69 can detect and classify and should improve detection range and direction finding accuracy. Specifically, the ACVR upgrade should enable ALR-69 to process both airborne and ground pulse Doppler threat emitters. RF pulse density processing requirements for ACVR are increased by orders of magnitude over previous emitter environments tested against.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
AN/ALR-69 RWR has been installed on Air National Guard (ANG), United States Air Force (USAF) and USAF Reserve F-16 (except Block 50), A-10, AC-130, and the HH-53 aircraft. AN/ALR-69 RWR is a mature system and has been in continuous service since the mid-1970s. From June 4, 1993-July 23, 1993, the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Test Center (AATC) conducted a qualification operational test and evaluation (QOT&E) for AN/ALR-69 reliability and maintainability (R&M) modification. The R&M modification was necessary at the time to avert support problems. More specifically, R&M modification entailed the replacement of the aging AN/ALR-69 system processor and controller with more modern supportable components. Following successful completion of QOT&E for R&M modification, the ALR-69 Product Improvement Program was initiated in 1993 to replace the current ALR-69 receiver with an Advanced Crystal Video Receiver. The first platforms scheduled to receive ACVR-equipped ALR-69s include the HH-60 PAVEHAWK Air Force Combat Search and Rescue Helicopter and F-16 fighter aircraft.
TEST & EVALUATION ACTIVITY
The Operational Requirements Document (ORD) for ALR-69 has been in a lengthy coordination cycle due to interest from multiple commands; it is currently in the signature cycle. The TEMP for ALR-69 is being updated to include ACVR. Currently, the Air Force is considering upgrading ANG F-16A/Bs, A-10s, and C-130s with the ALR-56M RWR vice the ACVR. Consequently, the F-16/A-10/C-130 ACVR TEMP coordination is in abeyance pending program direction and funding priority for ACVR. The HH-60G Integrated Electronic Warfare System ORD articulates the requirement for radar warning in the HH-60 PAVEHAWK helicopter. The principle DT of ALR-69 ACVR prior to QOT&E field testing in the HH-60G is to be conducted in the Electronic Warfare Avionics Integration Support Facility (EWAISF) at Warner Robins AFB. EWAISF testing was scheduled to start in December 1997 with test completion in August 1998; but has since been rescheduled for the October/December 1999 timeframe. At this time it appears QT&E and QOT&E of ALR-69 ACVR will occur on the HH-60G first then the F-16, A-10, or C-130 aircraft. The lengthy delay in the entire ACVR program since the R&M upgrade in 1993 has been attributed to software development problems. DOT&E staff will continue to monitor and participate in test planning activities through attendance of ALR-69 ACVR Test Plan Working Group meetings.
TEST & EVALUATION ASSESSMENT
Although OT test planning is currently in abeyance, an adequate test program is currently being structured. In the event that the Air Force decides to hold a "fly-off" competition between ACVR and ALR-56M, those elements currently planned for ACVR testing would ostensibly translate to ALR-56M tests. Regardless of the RWR the Air Force chooses, the program director intends to re-baseline the full capabilities of the upgraded system with previous versions. All major effectiveness and suitability performance parameters will be evaluated. The focus of testing will include: (1) testing against available airborne and ground pulse, continuous wave, and pulse Doppler threats; (2) operating equipment in dense pulse environment; (3) determining increased receiver sensitivity impacts on false alarm rate, compatibility, and pilot overload and confusion; and (4) quantifying improvements in direction finding accuracy.
Testing will include all pulse Doppler threats and the majority of pulse and continuous wave threats available at the Western Test Range and the Electronic Warfare Threat Environment Simulation Range. Additional testing may also be conducted at one of the hybrid, hardware-in-the-loop simulation facilities such as the Wright Patterson AFB. Surrogate aircraft will be used for threat aircraft. Flights will include both on-board jamming and non-jamming missions.
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