Montreal-based defense contractor Top Aces, the world’s only commercial operator of the F-16 aircraft for advanced adversary air (ADAIR) training, has announced the integration of an infrared search and track (IRST) capability on its F-16 Advanced Aggressor Fighter (AAF) platform.
This sophisticated IRST technology is used in military and aerospace applications to detect, track, and identify targets by measuring their infrared (IR) radiation.
According to the company, the capability will significantly enhance the training experience for US Air Force (USAF) 5th-generation fighter pilots.
Advanced Aggressor Mission System
“We’re delighted to add this advanced IRST capability to our ADAIR training portfolio,” said Russ Quinn, President of Top Aces Corp., a USAF veteran and former Aggressor pilot.
“Fitted with Top Aces’ open architecture ‘Advanced Aggressor Mission System’ (AAMS), our F-16 AAF will continue to rapidly integrate a range of high-tech sensors to meet evolving customer requirements.”
Top Aces’ F-16 AAF aircraft , already equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a helmet-mounted cueing system, and Link-16 capabilities, have been further upgraded with Northrop Grumman’s cutting-edge OpenPod.
The system features Leonardo’s state-of-the-art SkyWard scanning IRST, a passive long-wave infrared sensor, offering a wide scan volume for early target detection and engagement beyond the visual range.
This latest addition allows the Top Aces pilot to select and slave one advanced sensor to another, optimizing their ability to challenge 5th-generation tactics across various phases of air-to-air combat training engagements.
First of its kind
Top Aces collaborated with Leonardo, Northrop Grumman, Coherent Technical Services Inc. (CTSi), and Seger Aviation LLC to field the IRST on its F-16 AAF – a first in the ADAIR industry.
“The Air Force needs a highly capable adversary to train against. We firmly believe our F-16 AAF platform, combined with our highly experienced personnel, offer the most realistic and cost-effective solution to prepare the next generation of combat leaders,” continued Quinn.
With more than 130,000 accident-free flight hours, Top Aces. Its subsidiaries (including Top Aces Corp. and Blue Air Training Corp.) provide ADAIR and joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) training to the world’s leading armed forces.
It has the largest fleet of commercially operated fighter aircraft in active service and is the world’s only commercial owner/operator of the F-16.
Top Aces said that its mission-critical training enhances combat forces’ operational readiness by delivering real-world experience, creating significant cost efficiencies, and extending the lifespan of military aircraft fleets.
The company first announced the arrival of its first batch of F-16 fighters at its F-16 Center of Excellence in Mesa, Arizona, in 2021.
“Our vision is to be the most trusted provider of innovative combat training solutions in a highly specialized industry where experience matters,” Quinn said at the time.
“We acquired our fleet of F-16s in order to fulfill our vision of training the next generation of combat leaders here in the US.”
“For the past fifteen years, Top Aces has effectively and affordably trained air force leaders throughout the world. We’re excited to join with the USAF and bring both professional and highly credible adversary air capability to the US,” added Quinn.
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