Integrated Live Virtual Constructive (I-LVC) training for tactical aircraft can produce tradeoffs and efficiencies in the aviation fiscal (flight hour) accounts while generating warfighter readiness. Although fielding the capability remains somewhat elusive, significant progress has been made towards implementation on current tactical fighter and command and control platforms. This paper discusses migrating I-LVC to various Naval Aviation platforms and the multiple challenges associated with implementation.

In 2007, The Boeing Company began an independent Research and Development project entitled ‘Project Alpine’ aimed at reducing the risk of introducing LVC capability into a tactical platform. To date, Project Alpine has demonstrated the capability to perform air-to-air intercepts between live friendly aircraft and sophisticated ground-based virtual and constructive hostile aircraft, ground moving targets and surface-to-air threats. In 2010, this effort transitioned into a contracted effort with the United States Air Force (USAF) for a program entitled ‘LVC Pilot Program (LVCPP).’ LVCPP includes three live flight demonstrations with increasing complexity and integration of LVC assets for the purpose of developing an LVC Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and roadmap for the USAF. Phase 2 of the program introduces LVC capability onto the F/A-18E/F platform.

This paper will build upon the approaches discussed in the 2010 I/ITSEC paper, "Advancements of Integrated LVC Applied for Tactical Aviation Aircraft Training", analyze the work completed in Project Alpine / LVC Pilot Program and offer a potential U.S Navy implementation of I-LVC on-board various Navy platforms. We address such topics as Training & Readiness, appropriate combination of LVC components, platform impacts, scalability, and requirements. Additionally, we will address how readiness can be improved and the potential savings to be gained in certain mission areas such as Anti-Air-Warfare; Strike Warfare; and Electronic Warfare with credible and relevant I-LVC technology.