Cubic Delivers First Encrypted Air Combat Training System for 4th Gen Aircraft to U.S. Air Force

In a major leap for secure air combat training, Cubic Defense has successfully delivered the first encrypted Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) system upgrade for 4th generation fighter aircraft to the United States Air Force. This important milestone follows a recent production contract awarded by the USAF and represents a significant improvement in how modern air forces train for high-intensity aerial warfare while safeguarding sensitive operational data.

The new upgrade enhances the widely-used P5 Combat Training System (CTS), which is an essential tool for realistic air combat training exercises. This system tracks the real-time movements of multiple aircraft during training missions, allowing pilots and commanders to analyze tactics, maneuvers, and mission outcomes with great accuracy.

What’s New in the Upgrade?

The key highlight of this latest development is the introduction of encrypted Time Space Position Information (TSPI). This capability ensures that sensitive location and maneuvering data remain secure during training, even when shared across different platforms. It also enables interoperability between 4th generation aircraft like the F-16 and F-15, and 5th generation stealth fighters like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, allowing them to train together effectively in a fully integrated environment.

Cubic Defense’s new System Security Upgrade (SSU) kits are being installed across a large portion of the U.S. Air Force's existing P5 pod fleet. These kits protect mission-critical information from potential threats while improving the overall operational readiness of pilots and aircraft.

Specifications and Features:

• Encrypted TSPI Data Transmission: Safeguards sensitive maneuvering and positioning data during training missions.

• Interoperable Combat Training Environment: Seamlessly connects 4th and 5th generation aircraft in the same exercise scenario.

• Secure ACMI Pods: Upgraded P5 pods equipped with advanced encryption to resist cyber threats and data breaches.

• Advanced Debriefing Capabilities: Enables post-mission reviews with encrypted, high-accuracy flight data for comprehensive tactical analysis.

• Backward Compatibility: Designed to work with existing P5 and future P6 Combat Training Systems, ensuring cost-effectiveness for military forces.

• Improved Operational Readiness: Enhances pilot preparation for modern, multi-domain warfare environments.

Leadership Insight

Paul Averna, Vice President and General Manager of Advanced Training Solutions at Cubic Defense, expressed pride in his team’s achievement. He highlighted that the ACMI upgrade sets a new standard for the P5 and upcoming P6 programs, laying a solid groundwork for advanced air combat training. Remarkably, Cubic delivered the first SSU kits ahead of schedule, reflecting their commitment to strengthening the U.S. Air Force’s training capabilities.

Why It Matters

In today’s complex global defense environment, protecting proprietary military data and ensuring secure, realistic combat training are more vital than ever. As threats evolve and adversaries develop advanced electronic warfare and cyber capabilities, upgrades like these ensure that U.S. and allied air forces stay ahead, fully prepared for any operational challenge.

This landmark delivery from Cubic marks a pivotal advancement in air combat training, blending cutting-edge encryption technology with practical, scalable solutions for legacy and modern fighter aircraft alike.