Combat Training Ranges

The Combat Training Ranges program, managed by the Air Force, aims to enhance the training, testing, and evaluation capabilities of aircrews through advanced electronic warfare equipment. This initiative focuses on developing and integrating various technologies such as aircraft pods, radar emitters, communication jammers, and command and control systems. It supports USAF aircraft in Joint, Coalition, and Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) training events. By leveraging digital acquisition principles like open and agile systems, the program seeks to reduce redundant costs across weapon systems with similar subsystem requirements.

A critical component of this program is the Advanced Radar Threat System (ARTS), designed to replicate advanced foreign Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) radar and Electronic Warfare (EW) threat systems. These ARTS variants are essential for 4th and 5th generation aircrew training and tactics development at Department of Defense test and training ranges. The ARTS initiative includes efforts in research, technology development, engineering, and manufacturing of advanced radar emitters to support LVC integration and full simulation training.

Modernization Range Threat Systems (RTS) is another focus area within the Combat Training Ranges program. It involves upgrading legacy range threat systems like the Multiple Threat Emitter System (MUTES) to maintain combat training relevancy. These upgrades aim to enhance system capabilities by incorporating modern technologies into existing infrastructure. Additionally, the Live Mission Operations Capability (LMOC) effort seeks to modernize range control centers with common hardware and software for live-synthetic training missions.

The P6 Combat Training System (P6CTS) replaces the previous P5 system to address critical training capability gaps. It introduces key upgrades such as a trusted operating system and Multiple Level Security architecture to enable comprehensive air combat training. P6CTS supports both Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground combat scenarios while providing a pathway for future Blended Training capabilities. This initiative underscores the Air Force's commitment to advancing its combat training infrastructure through strategic investments in technology development and integration.