Air Force considers open architecture for radar system

The Air Force is asking industry about ways create an open architecture framework best suited for developing its Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System Recapitalization (JSTARS Recap) system.

It also intends to shift the radar surveillance system to a more efficient business-class jet framework while keeping the system open for technological advances in the radar field through the years.

JSTARS Recap is an airborne Battle Management Command and Control system. It provides near real-time surveillance and targeting information. The system also detects slow moving, rotary, and fixed-wing aircraft, and can observe people on foot. The system then receives identifying information from traditional, or non-traditional, intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance assets.

The Air Force is asking industry for solutions to manage sensors and systems, assess the gathered data and apply it the battlefield strategies, and distribute the information where appropriate.

In addition to the open architecture approach’s functionality aspect, the Air Force wants it to increase competition for future additions to the system. The Air Force plans for a multiple contract strategy.

Responses will be accepted until Feb. 28.