JSTARS demonstrations in real-world environments

The Joint Strategic Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) has a long history of sending its development test aircraft into real-world, operational events. Typically, weapon systems are not tasked for real-world events until their test programs are complete. Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms like JSTARS are sometimes allowed to participate from afar in real-world events because they do not interfere with operations, yet they can provide needed targeting data. This paper presents the results of demonstrations conducted on the JSTARS test aircraft in 2010 and 2011. The prototype systems had not been fully tested nor approved as funded programs. The demonstrations proved JSTARS capabilities apply to more than just military operations. JSTARS capabilities can also be used for disaster relief, homeland security, and law enforcement. This paper also identifies the typical challenges of a demonstration and provides the steps needed for success.