Autonomous air combat manoeuvring instrumentation (AACMI) are second-generation GPS-based ACMI systems.
Air combat manoeuvring instrumentation refers to an instrumented air combat range and the aircraft equipment needed to use the range. First-generation ACMI systems used ground radars to track and record the position of the aircraft on the range. Later 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 ACMI systems (AACMI). 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 (after-action review or AAR) 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.