Combat Training Ranges

Combat Training Ranges under the Air Force, aims to procure electronic telecommunication and instrumentation equipment and threat systems for training ranges worldwide to meet air combat and electronic warfare (EW) test and training capability requirements. This program also focuses on addressing production Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortage (DMSMS)/Obsolescence issues through studies, bridge buys, life of type buys, supplier parts replacement, and qualification activities to preserve future production capabilities and capacities. Additionally, it includes the procurement of range scoring systems and replacement equipment for electronics no longer logistically supportable. The specific objectives include the procurement of advanced radar threat systems such as ARTS-V1, ARTS-V2, and ARTS-V3 to train aircrews in air-to-air, air-to-ground, and ground-to-air combat under simulated combat conditions in any available airspace worldwide.

The program also includes the procurement of the Common Electronic Attack Receiver (CEAR MODS) to replace obsolete Electronic Attack Receivers (EAR) on legacy threat systems such as the Unmanned Threat Emitter (UMTE), the Joint Threat Emitter (JTE), and the Miniature Multiple Threat Emitter System (Mini-MUTES). Furthermore, it aims to provide real-time and recorded electronic warfare feedback to Combat Air Force (CAF) aircrews, improving their survivability in anti-access/area denial combat environments. The program's objectives also involve modernizing range communication infrastructure equipment, including fiber optic cabling, microwave, Ultra High Frequency (UHF), and Very High Frequency (VHF) radios and antennas, data links and repeater stations, power subsystems, control systems, Air Combat Training System (ACTS) ground systems, and cryptological equipment for unclassified and secure communications for all Combat Training Ranges.