Army Scales Back Barriers To Access Its Top Testing Ranges

Key Takeaways

• Approval authority moved from general to tester level
• Safety release paperwork cut for non‑classified systems
• UAS testing now possible within 48 hours
• $59 M RF test space added for FLRAA
• Live testing projected to drop 30% via digital models

Summary

The U.S. Army is overhauling access to its premier test ranges, including Utah’s Dugway Proving Ground, by delegating approval authority to testers and streamlining safety‑release paperwork. The new process waives many red‑tape requirements for non‑type‑classified and commercial prototype systems, especially unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Redstone Test Center is adding a $59 million radio‑frequency test space and a 13,000‑sq‑ft anechoic chamber to support the Future Long‑Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program. These changes aim to accelerate fielding of capabilities while cutting live‑testing costs.

Pulse Analysis

The Army’s decision to relax long‑standing barriers to its high‑security test ranges reflects a broader shift toward industry‑led innovation. By moving range‑access approval from senior commanders to the individual tester or program office, the service eliminates a bottleneck that previously relegated commercial partners to the lowest priority tier. This policy change not only opens Dugway Proving Ground and other facilities to more frequent use but also signals to defense firms that the Army is ready to partner on rapid prototyping and low‑cost solutions.

A parallel reform targets the safety‑release process, which now permits group releases for systems on the military’s UAS “blue list” and extends expiration dates for low‑risk equipment. The Redstone Test Center in Huntsville is leveraging these reforms to build a dedicated UAS test campus capable of turning around experiments within 48 hours. The upcoming FLRAA test facility, featuring a $59 million radio‑frequency test space and a 13,000‑square‑foot anechoic chamber, will let contractors evaluate tilt‑rotor aircraft and associated weapons in a controlled environment, further shortening the path from prototype to fielded system.

Beyond physical testing, the Army is betting on digital engineering to slash live‑range usage by roughly 30 percent. Live‑virtual‑constructive (LVC) environments and model‑based development allow engineers to simulate performance, identify issues, and iterate virtually before committing hardware to the range. This hybrid approach reduces costs, accelerates acquisition timelines, and aligns the service with commercial best practices, positioning the Army to field next‑generation capabilities faster than ever before.