Boeing has announced that it has conducted formal qualification testing of five Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) waveforms on Ground Mobile Radios (GMR) Engineering Development Model hardware.

The waveforms, which are similar to computer software applications, allow soldiers to share text, data and video; to communicate with current-force radios; and to employ high-frequency and satellite communications.

"During formal qualification testing in December, the Wideband Networking Waveform demonstrated its capability to transform how warfighters communicate and share information, and the legacy waveforms demonstrated the ability of GMR to maintain interoperability with current-force communications while simultaneously enabling transformation to mobile, ad hoc networking for joint warfighters," said U.S. Navy Capt. Jeff Hoyle, JTRS Network Enterprise Domain program manager.

"Formal qualification testing of these waveforms on GMR Engineering Development Model hardware is a significant milestone on the path to delivery of JTRS capability, demonstrating the highly advanced technical maturity and performance of JTRS software-defined radio applications."

The new Wideband Networking Waveform (WNW) and software versions of four legacy waveforms - Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS), Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS), High Frequency (HF) and Ultra High Frequency Satellite Communications (SATCOM) - will provide additional capabilities to the JTRS GMR, one of the JTRS radios in development.

The WNW, developed by Boeing under the JTRS program, is a revolutionary new application that provides Internet-like connectivity for soldiers on the move in areas without communications infrastructure.

The WNW software provides its own mobile network infrastructure to link to and expand the military communications network, sending more information to soldiers on the battlefield. In a June 2009 demonstration, the waveform was used to share information among 30 vehicles and sensor locations, proving the network can operate in tactically significant urban environments.

SINCGARS, EPLRS, HF and SATCOM will allow forces using legacy radios to connect and share information with soldiers on JTRS radios.

"The Wideband Networking Waveform running on JTRS GMR will link soldiers and commanders for secure communications in critical battlefield situations," said Ralph Moslener, Boeing JTRS program director.

"Boeing is delivering WNW and the four legacy waveforms to support development and rapid fielding of JTRS radios, including the Ground Mobile Radios."

Boeing will continue to test the waveforms as part of ongoing system verification testing that will lead to security verification testing later this year. The latest versions of the waveforms are available for integration through the Joint Program Executive Office JTRS Information Repository.