Collins Aerospace Completes Milestone C for U.S. Navy Combat Training Program

Successful completion of Milestone C marks the transition to system production based on meeting all key performance parameters in the U.S. Navy’s Tactical Combat Training System II program By DA Staff / 18 Jun 2021

Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow DA

Collins Aerospace has successfully completed Milestone C for the U.S. Navy’s Tactical Combat Training System II (TCTS Inc. II) program in addition to being awarded the first production order for TCTS II. 

Completion of Milestone C marks the transition to system production following meeting all key performance parameters. Initial Operational Capability is set to be declared in 2022.

TCTS Inc. II is the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force Program of Record for 4th and 5th generation aircraft that enables highly-secure air combat training between the U.S. and international platforms. 

Through Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) technologies, TCTS Inc. II simulates highly-contested combat situations, tailoring threats to enable pilots to ‘train as they fight.’ 

It collects relevant data to rapidly develop new tactics, techniques, and procedures in real time and is the only air-combat training system with security certification that supports encryption requirements from Top Secret through Unclassified that is needed for today’s 5th-gen and 4th-gen legacy U.S. and coalition fighter aircraft. 

The scalable TCTS Inc. II system architecture is envisioned to create a fully-immersive environment for all aircraft, ships and vehicles in the U.S. Navy inventory, and the U.S. Air Force.

“The successful completion of Milestone C demonstrates the Live, Virtual, and Constructive-enabled capabilities of the TCTS Inc. II technology from Collins Aerospace,” says Heather Robertson, vice president, and general manager, Integrated Solutions for Collins Aerospace. 

“Enabling more realistic and secure cross-service air combat exercises is invaluable preparation for 4th and 5th generation pilots to ensure warfighters achieve the readiness levels needed”.

TCTS Inc. II securely connects the Navy Continuous Training Environment (NCTE) to live aircraft allowing synthetic threats to stimulate the aircraft’s sensors via a Multiple Independent Levels of Security (MILS) architecture featuring an NSA-certified, Type 1 encryptor. 

When used with the onboard cross domain solution, the system enables sharing of information in near real time and uses SITL (Synthetic Inject to Live) to properly stress the warfighter with representative realistic threats. 

TCTS Inc. II is capable of Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACETM) certification which enables best-in-class third applications to be integrated easily and accelerates new capabilities to the warfighters. With the ability to host operational capabilities, TCTS II creates the infrastructure able to run both training and tactical waveforms across a multitude of platforms.

Posted by DA Staff Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

GA-ASI Engineers & Teams Recognized by AIAA for Aerospace Innovation

Several GA-ASI team members were recently honored by the AIAA San Diego Section for their exceptional contributions to aerospace engineering, management, innovation, and lifetime achievement

Jun 04, 2025
The Importance of EMI Shielding for Defense Electronics

Atrenne explains why EMI shielding is critical for aerospace and defense systems, enabling secure data transfer, protecting sensitive electronics, and ensuring mission success in high-interference environments

Jun 04, 2025
Speed@Seawork to Spotlight High-Performance Vessels for Security & SAR Operations

Speed@Seawork 2025 will showcase high-speed vessels for security and SAR missions, featuring sea trials, tech demos, and international MOD networking at Cowes, Isle of Wight, 9th June

Jun 03, 2025
Honeywell F124 Engine Proposed for Japan Trainer & CCA Programs

The Honeywell F124 engine, known for its high thrust-to-weight ratio and low-maintenance modular design, is under consideration for Japan’s T-4 trainer replacement and future Collaborative Combat Aircraft initiative

Jun 03, 2025
New Partnership to Advance UK’s Integrated Soldier System Capabilities

NP Aerospace has partnered with Logistik Unicorp to deliver integrated soldier systems, enhancing UK defence capabilities through advanced armour and military apparel solutions

Jun 03, 2025
How ISR Technology Is Evolving for Complex Mission Environments

FlySight examines recent advancements in ISR and ISTR technologies, highlighting software-driven capabilities, system integration, and the evolving role of AI

Jun 03, 2025

Featured Content

Visual-Aided Inertial Navigation for GNSS-Challenged UAV Missions

Inertial Labs unveils VINS (Visual-Aided Inertial Navigation System) enabling UAVs to maintain accurate flightpaths in GNSS-challenged environments, at the Joint Navigation Conference 2025, June 2–5, Stand 430

Jun 03, 2025
U.S. Army Aircraft to Receive Connectivity Upgrade with Honeywell SATCOM

Honeywell’s JetWave X SATCOM system is set to upgrade the U.S. Army’s ARES aircraft, enhancing global connectivity and mission-critical communications for ISR and electronic warfare

May 28, 2025
New Hybrid Solution for Long-Term GNSS-Denied Navigation

Advanced Navigation has demonstrated a major breakthrough with a Hybrid Navigation System designed for GPS-denied environments, combining a strategic-grade FOG INS with a laser velocity sensor

May 21, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.