Innovation
Proving Grounds

The Innovation Proving Grounds (IPG) at the George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex is a $50M outdoor range located on the Texas A&M-RELLIS Campus. Purpose-built for scenario-driven testing, the IPG evaluates technologies, sensors, platforms, and networks under operationally relevant conditions across the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) spectrum.

With dedicated test courses, private radio mesh networks, and full-time instrumentation, the IPG enables rapid, data-rich assessments that shorten test cycles and accelerate technology transition for military, government, industry, and academic partners.

Mobility Challenge Course (MCC)

A one-mile test track designed to push autonomous and manned systems through realistic terrain challenges.

  • Mixed surfaces, obstacles, slopes, and gradients for maneuverability and durability testing
  • Trails for vehicle autonomy, decision-making, and operator workload in contested conditions

    • Off-Road Test Area (OTA)

    A diverse landscape that replicates cross-country mobility and integrated operations.

    • Supports complex air–ground teaming and collaborative autonomy trials
    • Network of unimproved roads, trails, and open maneuver space
    • Tailorable soil lanes for traction testing and a water fording area for amphibious operations
  • Filtered view of a seemingly military, impressive off-road vehicle driving over dirt or sandy terrain

    • Additional Testing Areas

    • Reconfigurable urban environments consisting of seven 1-story and one 2-story buildings
    • Brazos Valley Research Range with 10-mile BVLOS (beyond visual line-of-sight) air corridor.
    • Subterranean tunnels complete with Faraday cage for overburden replication, wind generation capability, and with flood/drain-on-demand ability
    • Rugged off-road areas (formerly quarries)
    Engineered Obstacles, Surfaces, and Test Tracks
    Complex Terrain – Forests, Foothills, Trails, and Open Maneuver
    Subterranean Tunnels
    BVLOS Air Corridor

    Networks & Cyber

    The IPG integrates secure, resilient communications for realistic multi-domain operations.

    • Private Mesh Network
      Low-latency streaming, rapid reconfiguration, and cyber exploitation/restoration scenarios.
    • Cyber Resilience Testing
      Offensive and defensive tools applied to platforms, networks, and system-of-systems architectures.

    Instrumentation & Data Analytics

    Full-time instrumentation and data systems deliver continuous insight and real-time analysis.

    • Integrated Sensors & Cameras
      Site-wide instrumentation for persistent, high-fidelity data collection.
    • Real-Time Streaming Analytics
      Wireless streaming to analysts and test directors for in-stride evaluation.
    • Data Storage & Reach-Back
      Large-scale storage with secure sharing across authorized stakeholders.

    Modeling, Simulation & Distributed Testing

    Modeling and simulation extend and enhance physical test environments.

    • Site-Wide Digital Models
      Full IPG representation for scenario rehearsal and risk reduction.
    • LVC Integration
      Live, virtual, constructive and distributed testing across domains.

    Test Support & Operations

    Expert teams and tailored facilities ensure efficient, collaborative testing.

    • On-Site User Space
      Co-location with test teams at the IPG test headquarters.
    • Planning & Instrumentation Support
      Specialists in CONOPS development, test administration, instrumentation, and analytics.