Top Aces, the Canadian provider of advanced adversary airborne training (ADAIR) completed its first Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) training mission with the A-4 modernized to Advanced Aggressor Fighter (AAF) configuration. Top Aces has provided training and training services to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) since 2005.
The first two A-4 AAFs arrived in Canada in late May, complementing the company’s Canadian fleet of Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jets and Bombardier Learjet 35 fighters.
We’re thrilled to announce the successful completion of our first training mission in Canada with the A-4 ‘Advanced Aggressor Fighter’ (AAF) Skyhawk!#TopAces #A4Skyhawk #Canada #ExperienceMatters #Aviation #MilitaryTraining #TrainingExcellence pic.twitter.com/kzeffK5xCd
— Top Aces (@topaces) June 20, 2024
This week’s first mission featured an A-4 AAF along with a formation of Alpha Jets, conducting air-combat training in support of RCAF CF-18 pilots based out of 4-Wing Cold Lake, Alberta. In addition to improving training for CF-18 aircrew, the introduction of A-4 AAF aircraft allows the RCAF to refocus internal resources on higher value training activities, particularly as they prepare for the F-35 transition.
“Service is the value that leads our organization. As a proud home-grown Canadian company, Top Aces is committed to providing the CAF with cutting-edge training solutions to ensure our servicemen and women are fully prepared for any mission their country entrusts to them,” said Paul Bouchard, CEO of Top Aces.
James “Preston” Manning, Vice-President – Canada, Top Aces Inc., concludes: “Canada’s forward-thinking approach to the CATS program has prompted Air Forces worldwide to follow suit. Especially as allied counterparts shift towards 5th Generation fleets, they increasingly acknowledge this industry’s importance for operational efficiency, extending fleet lifespan, and supporting the continued service of veterans.”
Top Aces’ A-4 AAFs, the most advanced in the world
Based on the proven and reliable Douglas A-4N Skyhawk platform (ex-Israeli Air Force), they are upgraded by integrating Top Aces’ patented open architecture Advanced Aggressor Mission System (AAMS), an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, cockpit upgrade, new tactical navigation systems, new ESCAPAC ejection seats and tactical data link capabilities. The AAF configuration can replicate the state-of-the-art systems of an advance fighter aircraft.
The plug-and-play nature of the AAMS system allowed Top Aces’ venerable A-4 Skyhawk to add new sensors, typical of the 4.5 and 5th generation fighters, such as the aforementioned AESA radar, but also enabled the integration of an Infrared Search and Tracking System (IRST) on one of the A-4 AAFs deployed in Germany for Luftwaffe training.
