(U) Joint Theater Missile Defense (TMD) Existing Systems Modifications (JTMD MODS)

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)

Overview: (U)
(U) The Joint TMD Existing Systems Mods project implements non-Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) modifications to current and existing warning and surveillance systems that result in fielded improvements to TMD capabilities. This project consists of three programs: Cueing and Netting improvements to the Marine Corps AN/TPS-59 surveillance radar, to the SHIELD data fusion system, and to the Extended Airborne Global Launch Evaluator (EAGLE) ballistic missile launch detection system. 

Description: (U)
(U) The Joint TMD Existing Systems Modifications project implements non-Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) modifications to current and existing warning and surveillance systems that result in fielded improvements to TMD capabilities. This project consists of three programs: Cueing and Netting, SHIELD, and the Extended Airborne Global Launch Evaluator (EAGLE). 

(U) CUEING AND NETTING. The overarching objective of the cueing and netting task is to enable the US Marine Corps AN/TPS-59 (HAWK) long-range surveillance radar to accept external cues from, and pass cues to, different theater sensors in order to facilitate theater ballistic missile (TBM) identification, location, and tracking. The effort will consist of the development, testing, and operational demonstration of hardware and software improvements to the radar and other supporting systems.

(U) SHIELD (Formerly Talon Shield). The SHIELD program is developing a system that receives and fuses Defense Support Program (DSP) assets, other national intelligence data and SIGINT data on theater ballistic missile (TBM) events to provide more timely warning of worldwide TBM launch point, time, azimuth and impact point prediction to tactical units. As processing improvements and additional sources are integrated and fused, these upgraded capabilities are passed to the Air Force Attack and Launch Early Reporting to Theater (ALERT) and the Army Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS) programs for incorporation in the operational systems. The system is co-located at the Joint National Test Facility, Schriever Air Force Base, CO with ALERT.

(U) Extended Airborne Global Launch Evaluator (EAGLE). The EAGLE is a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and Non-Developmental Item (NDI) program that will field a detection, tracking, and cueing system against TBM. EAGLE will be compatible with any Boeing 707 type or larger class aircraft. The prototype is currently planned for installation in the Air Force E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. EAGLE represents the integration of several existing technologies into a new sensor suite that will add significant leverage to the overall TBM defense architecture as well as provide significant complementary support to the US and NATO AWACS missions. The principal components of EAGLE are a Wide Area Surveillance Sensor (WASS) from the B-1B program, a High Accuracy Reacquisition Sensor (HARS) from the F-117A Nighthawk program, and a laser range finder from the Navy's Radiant Mist/Outlaw projects. The overall integrator and prime contractor is Boeing in Seattle, Washington. The major sub-contractors are Texas Instruments in Dallas, Texas and Rockwell International of California. International participation is at the second tier sub-contractors. Operationally, the EAGLE system will acquire a boosting TBM and track it until shortly after burnout to establish very precise trajectory, launch point, and impact point estimates. This information will be broadcast as a Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) message which will be used to cue active defense radar, support attack operations against the launchers, and provide improved warning for passive defense. The trajectory cue will enable fire control radar from a variety of interceptor systems to efficiently focus their energy into a single beam allowing acquisition much sooner than normally achievable with autonomous operations. This capability maximizes the defended area footprint as required by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC). EAGLE can greatly improve the defended area against long range theater ballistic missiles versus autonomous operation. In addition, the improved situational awareness provided through BMC3I to the Joint Force Air Component Commander greatly enhances the coordination of the theater air battle and ballistic missile defenses.  Funding for the EAGLE program has been moved from "TMD Existing Systems - EAGLE" to "Airborne Sensor for Ballistic Missile Tracking."

User Impact: (U)
(U) To be supplied.

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Operational.
	(U) IOC: 10/1996 (1QFY1997).
		(U)  This program funds a number of modifications to existing systems.  The IOCs for the various systems will vary.  The date used here is to demonstrate the progress made in the program.  The specific milestones will be indicated in this area when available.

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) None.

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) Ground-Based Missile Defense, JTMDE

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) SPACE CONTROL: NMD/ COUNTERSPACE.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) BMDO.

Date of Information: (U)
21 November 1997

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)