Cubic Mission and Performance Solutions (CMPS) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its first Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) training systems delivery in 1973.

Created in 1972 in response to U.S. Air Force struggles in Vietnam, the original ACMI system allowed fleet pilots to perform mission exercises from anywhere while generating ultra-precise information on their performance. The technology was prominently displayed in the 1986 movie “Top Gun” and the 2022 “Top Gun Maverick” sequel 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.

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.

“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.”