Can the Variable Repulsor Blasts be used in conjuction with Ranged Combat expert?

VARIABLE REPULSOR BLASTS:#Before Iron Man makes a range attack, choose one of the following effects for the attack: Concussive Blast: The attack generates knock back; Focused Blast: The damage dealt can't be reduced below 1; Sonic Emitter: Hit targets are given an action token; Assisted targeting: Modify Iron Man's attack value by +1.

Ranged Combat Expert includes a ranged attack, does it not?