Other Production Charges

The Other Production Charges line item in the Department of the Navy's FY 2026 Aircraft Procurement budget is designed to provide funding for a range of production support, testing services, and instrumentation packages that directly support tactical aircrew combat training. The primary focus of this line item is the continued procurement and fielding of the Tactical Combat Training System Increment II (TCTS II) and associated subsystems, which are critical for enhancing the realism and effectiveness of Navy and Marine Corps aircrew training. This program is managed under the oversight of Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) and involves collaboration with Collins Aerospace as the principal contractor.

The largest component of this budget line is the procurement of TCTS II Participant Subsystem (PS) units, which are installed on tactical aircraft such as the F/A-18 to enable encrypted, instrumented tracking of live training events. These subsystems are essential for transmitting and recording data on weapons engagements and maneuvers, providing timely and accurate feedback to aircrews. The procurement supports ongoing fielding at major naval air stations and expands to new sites, including additional Marine Corps Air Stations and the Southern California Offshore Range. The inclusion of units for the Strike Group Maritime Open Ocean Virtual Range (SGMOOVR) reflects an emphasis on expanding training capabilities to open ocean environments.

The TCTS II Portable Support Equipment Subsystem (PSES) is another key element, with funds allocated for additional units. These portable systems provide ground-based support for the airborne participant subsystems, enabling flexible deployment and maintenance across various training ranges. The procurement plan is based on updated contract costs and is aligned with the Department of the Navy's Fleet Instrumentation Plan, ensuring that quantities and capabilities match evolving operational requirements. PSES units are fielded at the same locations as PS units, supporting both shore-based and open ocean training scenarios.

Funding for TCTS II Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) supports critical software and hardware updates for the PS units. These updates are necessary to maintain cybersecurity compliance and ensure seamless connectivity with existing range infrastructure, particularly as the Navy moves toward more integrated Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) training environments. The ECP ensures that the TCTS II system remains current with technological advancements and evolving security standards, which is vital for protecting sensitive training data and maintaining interoperability across the fleet.

Production Engineering and Production Support lines provide resources for technical and logistical support required to sustain the TCTS II program. Production Engineering funds are used for engineering support from NAWCAD Patuxent River and NAWCWD China Lake's Tactical Air Ranges Integration Facility. Production Support covers interim contract support, depot maintenance, and software support activities, which are increasingly important as the inventory of fielded TCTS II systems grows. These support activities ensure operational readiness and minimize downtime for training assets.

Non-Recurring Costs in FY 2026 are primarily associated with the stand-up of depot and Software Support Activity capabilities, as well as procurement of software licenses, contract data requirements lists, and technical data. These investments represent a reduction from previous years, reflecting the transition from initial setup to sustained operations. The establishment of depot and SSA infrastructure is intended to provide long-term support for TCTS II systems as they become fully integrated into Navy training operations.

The Other Production Charges line item is structured to ensure the continued modernization and expansion of tactical combat training capabilities for Navy and Marine Corps aircrews. By investing in advanced instrumentation, support equipment, and ongoing technical updates, the program aims to provide realistic, secure, and effective training environments that enhance combat readiness. The budget also incorporates cost and workforce optimization measures in alignment with current executive orders, reflecting a commitment to efficiency and effective resource management.