Cubic Celebrates the 50-year Evolution of ACMI - Truth in Training

Cubic Mission and Performance Solutions (CMPS), the world’s leading provider of air combat training systems – commonly referred to as Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) training systems – celebrates the 50th anniversary of its first ACMI delivery in 1973.

Created in 1972 in response to U.S. Air Force struggles in Vietnam, the original ACMI system heralded the era of “Truth in Training,” allowing fleet pilots to perform mission exercises from anywhere while generating ultra-precise information on their performance. The technology was prominently displayed in the 1986 hit “Top Gun” and the 2022 “Top Gun Maverick” sequel movies and continues to undergird the security stance of the U.S. and its coalition partners to this day, preparing pilots for combat missions more effectively and with markedly less risk.

“For half a century, Cubic’s ACMI training systems continue to be a vital part of developing aircrew into mission-ready operators, prepared for real-world situations,” said CMPS President Paul Shew. “Our Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) training solutions support all branches of the U.S. military and coalition partners around the world.”

Cubic’s ACMI systems are deployed in more than 30 ranges worldwide, equipped with advanced encryption features, real-time air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons simulations and live monitoring functions. The technology allows for the instantaneous transmission and receipt of an aircraft’s Time Space Position Information (TSPI) during exercises as well as Real-Time Kill Notifications (RTKN). Over 2,300 P5 Combat Training Systems/Tactical Combat Training Systems are now in use globally, with 17 coalition partners around the world. Collectively, these demonstrate an unprecedented, documented 97% mission availability rate.

“Since the inception of ACMI, our commitment to the warfighter remains the same, positioning aircrew for success,” said Jonas Furukrona, vice president and general manager of Cubic LVC Training. “Our state-of-the-art technology delivers next-generation capabilities, filling current training gaps by allowing our customers to train in a secure and cost-efficient environment with unprecedented realism.”