Boeing-led Team Submits Test and Training System Proposal to US Air Force

A team led by Boeing [NYSE: BA] submitted a proposal to the U.S. Air Force on May 5 for Phase 2 of the Common Range Integrated Instrumentation System (CRIIS) program. CRIIS will help improve the accuracy and realism of joint-service test and training activities.

"Our best-of-industry approach to CRIIS puts cutting-edge technology into existing aircraft and weapon systems that remain cost-effective, while enabling our warfighters to accurately test and train," said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president of Training Systems & Services. "CRIIS is designed to integrate with ground soldiers; low-dynamic ground and air vehicles; watercraft; and highly dynamic and maneuverable aircraft. It will be used by all service branches on a wide array of test and training activities for decades to come."

In 2008, Boeing was one of two companies awarded the first phase of the CRIIS program, with the objective of demonstrating technology that delivers enhanced time, space and position information (TSPI); datalinks and encryption. Phase 1 will be complete in June and the Phase 2 contract award is expected in September.

By providing a test capability in a training environment, CRIIS represents the first step toward realizing the Secretary of Defense's vision of airborne test and training interdependence. The system will replace the Advanced Range Data System, which is approaching the end of its design life and cannot be effectively updated to overcome obsolescence or resolve deficiencies identified by end-users.

Boeing is drawing on technology support from multiple divisions -- including Boeing Test and Evaluation and Mission Systems Support -- to complete Phase 1 and capture Phase 2. The company's teammates include L-3 Com's Nova, Interstate Electronics Corp., Telemetry West, Geodetics, ArgonST, Harris Corp. and DRS Technologies.