Second Production Order by US Navy for Air Combat Training System

Collins Aerospace has been awarded the second low-rate production order for Tactical Combat Training System – Increment II (TCTS II) Air Combat Training System by the US Navy. 

Valued at $24 million, the contract includes both airborne and ground subsystems and will support fielding requirements at various US Navy training ranges. 

Developed and built by Collins Aerospace and teammate Leonardo DRS, TCTS II is a scalable and flexible open architecture system that enables highly secure air combat training among 4th and 5th Gen US aircraft, as well as international aircraft. Using Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) technology, it simulates various tailored combat situations needed to train aviators like they fight.

TCTS II is preparing for upcoming final development test and operational flights and is on track to complete Initial Operational Capability (IOC) at Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon in late 2022. This is the final low-rate production order of TCTS II before entering full-rate production in early 2023.

Completing IOC at NAS Fallon is a critical step in demonstrating that TCTS II meets Navy requirements, as Carrier Air Wings must complete Air Wing Fallon training prior to deployment.

“TCTS II provides end-users the ability to train as they’ve never been able to train before, with secure cross-service air combat training and joint Live, Virtual, and Constructive-enabled capabilities. This program truly redefines the future of training.” said Heather Robertson, vice president, and general manager, Integrated Solutions for Collins Aerospace. “This type of technology enables warfighters and coalition partners to further perfect joint tactics against peer adversaries.”