AMERICA’S ARMY WINNING IN A COMPLEX WORLD

ACAT III
Guardrail Common Sensor (GR/CS)
PEO Aviation | Redstone Arsenal, AL
WARFIGHTING
FUNCTION
Mission Command
Movement and Maneuver
Intelligence
Fires
Sustainment
Maneuver Support
and Protection
Engagement
ACQUISITION
LIFECYCLE PHASE
Materiel Solution Analysis
Technology Maturation &
Risk Reduction
Engineering & Manufacturing
Development
Production & Deployment
Operations & Support
MILESTONE DECISION
AUTHORITY
Defense Acquisition Executive
Army Acquisition Executive
Program Executive Officer
DESCRIPTION
Guardrail Common Sensor (GR/CS) provides signals intelligence
(SIGINT) collection and precision targeting that intercepts, collects and
precisely locates hostile communications intelligence radio frequency
emitters and electronic intelligence (ELINT) threat radar emitters. It
provides near-real-time information to tactical commanders in the Joint
Task Force Area supporting a full spectrum of operations (close-in and
deep-look collections) with emphasis on indications and warnings.
GR/CS is a fixed-wing, airborne, SIGINT-collection and precision
targeting location system. It collects low-, mid- and high-band radio
signals and ELINT signals; identifies and classifies them; determines
source location; and provides near-real-time reporting, ensuring
information dominance to commanders. GR/CS uses a Guardrail
Mission Operations Facility (MOF) for the control, data processing and
message center for the system.
A standard system has RC-12 aircraft flying operational missions in
single-ship or multiship operations. Up to three aircraft and systems
simultaneously collect communications and electronics emitter
transmissions and gather lines of bearing and time-difference-of-arrival
data, which is transmitted to the MOF, correlated and supplied to
supported commands via National Security Agency Net.
BENEFIT TO THE WARFIGHTER
The warfighter will benefit from planned improvements through
Guardrail modernization efforts, which support a full spectrum of
operations, including:
• Full motion video (FMV), precision geolocation subsystem and the
Communications High-Accuracy Location Subsystem – Compact
with increased frequency coverage and a higher probability to
collect targets
• Communications intelligence (COMINT) infrastructure and core
COMINT subsystem provide a frequency extension and Enhanced
Situational Awareness
• A capability to process special high-priority signals through the
high-end COMINT subsystems High Band COMINT and
X-Midas
• Ground processing software and hardware are being upgraded
for interoperability with the Distributed Common Ground
System – Army
SPECIFICATIONS
• Integrated COMINT and ELINT collection and reporting
• Enhanced signal classification and recognition and precision
emitter geolocation
• Advanced integrated aircraft cockpit
• Tactical Satellite Remote Relay System
PROGRAM STATUS
• FY13: RC-12 fleet was reduced to 38 aircraft; three RC-12X mission
aircraft were fielded bringing the total of the modernized Guardrail
fleet to 14
• FY14: RC-12X FMV Prototype Flight Handling Qualities and
Performance Flight Testing completed; eight RC-12 aircraft were
deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; these aircraft
flew 6,721 hours and had an average mission-capable rate of
90.5 percent
• FY15: Four RC-12 aircraft remained deployed in support of
operations in Afghanistan
PROJECTED ACTIVITIES
• FY16: RC-12 fleet will be reduced to 19 aircraft (14 operational and
5 trainers) with the divestment of 6 RC-12K aircraft in accordance
with the Army 2020 Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
Plan; RC-12X Autopilot replacement program scheduled to begin
with the induction of the prototype aircraft; continue to support
contingency operations in Afghanistan with four RC-12X aircraft
• FY17: Field two FMV-capable systems and continue to support
contingency operations
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UNITED STATES ARMY