The Tactical Combat Training System Increment II (TCTS II) pod successfully completed its initial hardware qualification testing at Patuxent River. Credit: US Navy.

The US Naval Aviation Training System and Ranges program office (PMA-205) has completed the initial hardware qualification testing of its Tactical Combat Training System Increment II (TCTS II).

Developed and built by Collins Aerospace Systems, TCTS II is the US Navy’s next-generation air combat training system.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Conducted by the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23, the pod was tested on an F/A-18E/F Super Hornet at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River.

PMA-205 programme manager captain Lisa Sullivan said: “It is a significant milestone event when a system moves from lab testing to aircraft testing at Pax River.

“Due to the hard work of our government and industry team, these tests are meeting programme schedule dates to enable low rate production this April.”

Featuring an open systems architecture, TCTS II is an encrypted, multi-level security, air combat instrumentation system.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

With additional onboard interactive training models, the system allows live, combined with synthetic real-time air combat training between aircraft to take place securely.

The pod also enables aircrew to use real and simulated weapons and electronic warfare tactics with simulated threats for air combat manoeuvring training.

PMA-205 TCTS II lead assistant programme manager for test and evaluation Melissa Benish said: “This is one step closer to bringing these real-time training capabilities to the warfighter, in the end allowing them to train like they fight.

“Our strategy is developmental test with a focus on mission-level requirements.”