Cubic bags LVC system contract

The US Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) has awarded a multi-year contract to Cubic Global Defense (CGD) to develop and demonstrate a Live, Virtual, Constructive (LVC) system for air combat training, the company announced on 1 October. 

The contract is a part of the Secure LVC Advanced Training Environment (SLATE) Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) programme. The programme is aimed at enhancing realism and the cost effectiveness of training, with Cubic designated as systems integrator working with partners to deliver LVC airborne and ground subsystems.

SLATE ATD specifically aims to prove technological feasibility and assess the operability and producibility of LVC subsystems. SLATE partners and CGD plan to develop and demonstrate an LVC system at Technology Readiness Level 7.

SLATE ATD will employ fourth-generation aircraft with modified Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation (ACMI) airborne subsystems repurposed for multi-level encrypted LVC, in both tethered and untethered training scenarios. 

The ATD will deliver specifications, use cases and technologies that can be used to support an LVC acquisition programme after successful demonstrations. The demonstration of the final flight training exercise is anticipated to be conducted at Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Bill Toti, president, Cubic Global Defense, said: ‘We are very proud to be a part of this esteemed consortium in developing what will be one of the most important training technologies of our time. Cubic invented ACMI back in the early 70’s and we see LVC as the natural evolution of ACMI. LVC will provide an increased threat density, wider expanse of virtual airspace and an interoperable multi-level secure environment where pilots can ‘train as they fight’ with their advanced sensor and weapons systems in the highest fidelity environments.’