Air combat maneuvering instrumentation


Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation systems record an aircraft's in-flight data.
They are often used by the military for aerial combat training and analysis.

Subsystems

ACMI usually includes 4 major subsystems.
; Control and Computation
; Transmission Instrumentation
; Airborne Instrumentation
; Advanced Display and Debriefing or Individual Combat Aircrew Display

Autonomous air combat maneuvering instrumentation

Autonomous air combat maneuvering instrumentation are second-generation GPS-based ACMI systems.
Unlike first-generation ACMI systems, which use ground radars to track and record the position of the aircraft on the range, AACMI systems use aircraft-mounted satellite navigation systems such as the US NAVSTAR GPS system. Recording of aircraft tracks can therefore be independent of ground-based radar, and are sometimes called range-less or autonomous. Radio transmissions from the aircraft report its position in three dimensions to other aircraft on the range and also to ground control. This enables real-time air-to-air exercises to be carried out and also complex ground debriefs based on data recorded at the time. Such de-briefs involve the use of modern graphics and display techniques that can bring out training and other points to aircrew and ground staff. Newer AACMI systems are hand-held units that can be mounted to the dash of any aircraft, vehicle, vessel, or person, and can perform all the functions of legacy ACMI systems.