SPECIALTY ENGINEERING INNOVATIONS ON THE U.S. ARMY JOINT STARS GSM BLOCK I UPGRADE CONTRACT

Abstract

AbstractThe Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) proved highly successful during Operation Desert Storm. Although unique circumstances in Operation Desert Storm permitted onequipment contractor support of the system, the U.S. Army is committed to operation and maintenance by the soldier.The new Joint STARS Block I Ground Station Module (GSM) is produced by Motorola Government Electronics Group, and must satisfy a formidable mix of requirements. The system must substantially exceed the complexity and performance levels of the Interim Ground Station Module (IGSM) sent to the Gulf, yet be operable and maintainable by soldiers rather than contractor engineers and technicians. This paper documents the unique interactions and degree of integration associated with the specialty engineering functions on the Joint STARS Block I GSM program, and illustrates the success that can be achieved.