Air Combat Maneuvering Range (ACMR): Has Operational Performance Measurement Entered a Golden Age?

Three years of aircrew performance measurement related to air combat effectiveness using the Navy's Air Combat Maneuvering Range (ACMR) are described. Performance assessment methods were based on air combat engagement outcomes (i. e. wins, losses, draws), weapon delivery accuracy measures, and metrics derived from antecedent events. When used in an operational setting, the aircrew assessment methods have been used to identify squadron performance differences, evaluate competitive exercises, and provide diagnostic training feedback to operational users. The use of continuously recorded quantitative measures from systems such as ACMR represents a ‘Golden Age’ in the performance measurement field. The availability of objective performance criteria promises to be of substantial benefit to both the operational user and the research community in such areas as pilot selection and training, fleet combat readiness and pilot workload and stress.