Rockwell Collins has successfully completed the preliminary design review (PDR) of the US Navy’s $142m Tactical Combat Training System Increment II (TCTS Inc-II) programme.
The TCTS Inc-II programme has primarily been established to support the development of an airborne, ground and ship-based encrypted training capability.
Rockwell Collins conducted the review on schedule in conjunction with the US Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Naval Aviation Training Systems (PMA-205) programme office.
PMA-205 programme manager captain Jason Lopez said: “For a programme of this complexity, the successful completion of PDR just 11 months after programme award is a testament to the collaboration and expertise of all involved.”
The company has received approval for the commencement of the project’s detailed design work following the completion of the PDR.
Rockwell Collins and Leonardo DRS were awarded the initial contract for the delivery of their encrypted, next-generation tactical training system in March last year.
Rockwell was selected by the US Navy as the prime contractor and systems integrator for the advanced air-combat training system.
The TCTS Inc-II system can be integrated with other fielded equipment and combat systems to support the training of US Navy and US Marine Corps (USMC) aviation forces.
Rockwell Collins Communication, Navigation and Electronic Warfare Solutions vice-president and general manager Troy Brunk said: “TCTS Inc-II will bring a heightened sense of realism that allows pilots to truly ‘train as they fight’ and be better prepared for real situations.
“The system provides five times the network capacity compared to current air-combat training systems, making it scalable and adaptable for emerging missions and threats as needed.”
TCTS Inc-II is expected to help replace the navy and USMC’s existing training range infrastructure, while increasing the effectiveness of training across all squadrons and fleet forces.
The new tactical system will combine live and synthetic elements into the training process, known collectively as ‘Live, Virtual and Constructive’ simulation.
