MARINE CORPS HELICOPTER TACTICAL AIRCREW TRAINING SYSTEM (TACTS)

During the initial evalutation of the AIM-9 "SIDEWINDER" missile for use on United States Marine Corps helicopters, the Air Combat Maneuvering Range (ACMR) was used to validate the techniques and tactics that were considered requirements for a helicopter air-to-air missile. This development provided an opportunity to define requirements, confirm capbilties, and explore air-to-air tactics for the helicopter community. The success of the AIM-9 Sidewinder ACMR evaluation, was combined with actual missile firings at Naval Weapons Center China Lake, CA., resulted in a decision to pursue Marine Corps employment of the AIM-9 missile on helicopters. In 1986 all Marine Corps AH-1J and T model helicopters were capable of employing any of the Sidewinder missiles. Since then the Tactical Air Combat Training System (TACTS), range has become a valuable tool, which is essentially an upgraded ACMR, for both training in the employment of the Sidewinder and developing new techniques and tactics for helicopters in the air-to-air arena.