SYNOPSIS: EPLRS PROVIDES POSITION LOCATION NAVIGATION AND SECURE JAM-RESISTANT COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT FOR THE FIVE BFAs OF ATCCS.
ACQUISITION CATEGORY: II
ACQUISITION PHASE: FRP MS III Deployment
PE & LINE #: 63713.D370 BU1400
DESCRIPTION: The Enhanced Position Locating Reporting System (EPLRS) provides secure, jam-resistant, near real-time data communications support for the five Battlefield Functional Areas of the Army Tactical Command and Control System (ATCCS). EPLRS system was fielded in 1987. Because of the real-time unit positioning data supplied by PLRS/EPLRS, accurate battle management is now possible. This allows the battle commander to not only move forces forward, but to also quickly and accurately counter opposition moves.
The original version consisted of 1 UYK-7 and 3 UYK-20 computers. Later improvements, designed to enhance system level diagnostic procedures, substituted 3 Baseline AN/UYK-44(V) computers, with their high confidence Built-In-Test (BIT) capabilities, for the UYK-20s. The UYK-44s also allowed for expanded message functionality in the system as well as use of a 1553B interface, further enhancing overall system capabilities.
Unisys has been working on tasking from the USMC and the U.S. Army since 1991 to downsize EPLRS to fit into a smaller and lighter Standard Integrated Command Post System (SICPS) shelter on a HMMWV. To accomplish this, the 3 Baseline UYK-44s and UYK-7 computers are being replaced by a single, powerful, AN/UYK-44(V) Enhanced Processor (EP) MRC. This "Downsized" Net Control Station (NCS), shown in figure 3, is an integral part of the overall PLRS/EPLRS program, providing near real-time position and identification information on tactical forces as well as cryptographic message and data communications. The Real-Time Enhanced PLRS (RTEP) software resident in the UYK-44 EP and a AN/UYK-101 computer (a Miltope CHS-1 acting primarily as an operator interface) provides each NCS with expanded operations designed to support up to 460 active radio sets and, in a multiple NCS environment, each NCS can communicate with adjacent NCSs. The Downsized system's modular design, allowing LRUs to be easily removed and replaced, together with the Built-in-Test capabilities of the UYK-44 EP allow most maintenance tasks to be accomplished without special test equipment and using only standard tools.
EPLRS is a Time Division Multiple Access System using a frequency hopping, spread spectrum waveform in the UHF band. It incorporates internal COMSEC devices of the Thorton family and has an Over The Air Rekeying (OTAR) capability. EPLRS uses both the Army Data Distribution System version of the X.25 CCITT and MILSTD-1553B protocols to interface with ATCCS and selected weapons, and command and control systems. Additionally, EPLRS provides battlefield situational awareness to both the user and to their higher headquarters. This information greatly enhances the command and control of tactical units by providing commanders with the location of friendly units, a dynamic representation of the Forward Line of Troops and abbreviated SITREPs for conditions and identification of adjacent equipped units. The major components of EPLRS are the downsized Net Control Station-EPLRS (NCS-(D)), EPLRS Radio Set with its user input/output devices, and the EPLRS Grid Reference Unit (EGRU). A typical army division will have four NCS-E(D)s. 600-700 EPLRS Radio Sets, and 12 EGRUs. EPLRS deploys as a total system with NCS-Es controlling communities of EPLRS radio sets. EGRUs help with position location function and relaying of messages. EPLRS Radio Sets originate, relay and receive messages.
TRANSPORTATION CHARACTERISTICS/LIMITATIONS: NCS-E (D) 8.5'x7'x6', 4000lbs. EPLRS Radio Set 14.7"x10.5"x 5.1", 28lbs.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: EPLRS concept is a Preplanned Product Improvement (P3I) to the USA/USMC PLRS program. Technology insertions will be incorporated as part of the P3I process.
Sep 78 System definition contract award to HAC.
Jan 90 P3I Phase C (LRIP) contract awarded to HAC.
Jul 90 LRIP Option 1 awarded to provide test hardware for TT/OT.
Jan 92 LRIP Option 2 awarded for corps level ATCCS testing.
May 93 LRIP Option 3 awarded for corps level ATCCS testing.
Aug 94 IOTE at Fort Hood, TX.
May 94 VHSIC Contract awarded for production for VHSIC SMP's.
Jan 95 Initial fielding to 1st Cav.
Jun 95 Initial fielding to 24 ID (3ID).
Feb 96 Complete fielding (Phase II) to 1st CAV.
REQUIREMENT DOCUMENTS: PLRS/JTIDS Hybrid (EPLRS and JTIDS) Letter of Agreement approved Jun 82; ORD approved Nov 95; O&O revised Oct 86.
TYPE CLASSIFICATION: Currently Limited Procurement, standard anticipated for fielding.
EVENT SCHEDULE FISCAL YEAR
96
97
98
99
00
01
QTR
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4
Field 4ID (TF XXI)
3
Operational Test and Evaluation - Phase I
4
OT - Phase II
1
MIII Decision
2
Full Rate Production Award
2
