The U.S. Air Force has approved and taken delivery of the Compass Call Mission Crew Simulator (CCMCS) for the EA-37B electronic attack mission system, a critical step supporting the platform’s interim fielding. Developed by BAE Systems in collaboration with Textron Systems Corporation, this high-fidelity simulator is designed to provide realistic training and mission rehearsal for the crews of the EA-37B. This aircraft is the Department of Defense’s sole long-range, stand-off platform dedicated to electromagnetic warfare jamming.
The CCMCS fundamentally enhances warfighter readiness by creating a simulated tactical environment that accurately replicates the complex, dynamic, and high-pressure scenarios encountered in actual operations. It features the same controls, displays, and systems as the actual EA-37B aircraft, ensuring seamless transition from training to live missions. This approach provides highly effective instruction in a safe and controlled setting, significantly reducing both the risks and substantial costs associated with extensive live-flight training. Crews receive essential training on electronic warfare operations, detailed mission planning and execution, resource management, communication protocols, decision-making under pressure, and teamwork.
According to Stephanie Fehling, director of Electronic Attack Solutions at BAE Systems, the simulator is pivotal for helping warfighters develop their expertise to maximize the combat effectiveness of the EA-37B, a system vital for dominating the electromagnetic spectrum. By being available around the clock, the CCMCS also functions as a key force multiplier. It reduces operational stress on the physical EA-37B fleet, thereby improving aircraft availability for real-world deployments. The primary mission of the EA-37B is to disrupt, degrade, and deny adversary capabilities by jamming communication networks, radar systems, navigation aids, and integrated air defenses. This action restricts enemy battlespace coordination and cripples command and control, ultimately increasing the survivability and lethality of allied joint forces.
