The U.S. Air Force has chosen Collins Aerospace’s Tactical Combat Training System-Increment II (TCTS II), developed in cooperation with Leonardo DRS, as the preferred solution for its P6 Combat Training System (P6CTS), which itself has been established as a program of record. TCTS II has already entered development for the U.S. Navy, and the selection by the Air Force reflects the service’s analysis of whether it had the growth capacity to meet all of its future air combat training needs while still retaining full interoperability with the U.S. Navy’s systems.
P6CTS is a program to fully replace existing instrumentation systems at 55 Air Force training ranges. TCTS II is intended to be fitted to fighter types initially, but subsequently to roll out across other platforms. In tactical aircraft applications, the system is typically carried in a slender pod that can be carried by a standard AIM-9 Sidewinder launch rail. The pod transmits aircraft telemetry and other data to ground stations, allowing a complete picture of the training exercise to be presented and recorded for debriefing. For the stealthy F-35, the system can be packaged into a suitable form factor.
The latest increment permits the creation of live virtual constructive (LVC) training environments and includes ground threats. The system is highly scalable to cater to small-scale exercises through large-package training with more than 100 live participants—plus virtual/constructive threats—that can operate across several ranges. The synthetic inject to live capability allows aircrews to train in realistic threat scenarios selected by the user.
TCTS II provides seamless integration of fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, plus other platforms. A noteworthy feature is the inclusion of multiple-individual-level security encryption, which permits live participants with different levels of security classification to exercise together, in turn allowing approved coalition partners and civilian Red Air contractors to use the system alongside U.S. participants.
“Pilots will be able to train like never before with secure cross-service air combat training and joint live virtual constructive-enabled capabilities,” said John Sapp, v-p and general manager for integrated solutions at Collins Aerospace. “This program truly redefines the future of training and warfighter readiness."
The secure blended LVC capabilities of TCTS II already have been demonstrated during advanced technology exercises held by Naval Air Systems Command. The system is scheduled to reach initial operating capability later this year at NAS Fallon, home of a number of U.S. Navy adversary units, including the Fighter Weapons School (Topgun). Full-rate production for the Navy is due to start in early 2023.
