Tactical Air Support Inc. (TacAir) of Reno (NV) announced on 8 April 2023 that the US Navy has selected their company for the next NAWDC REDAIR Task Order. This contract is for one year initially with four one-year options, through 2028. Tactical Air Support Inc., usually referred to under the abbreviation TacAir, is obviously very proud to have been awarded this highly sought-after contract which allows them to continue supporting the US Navy and USMC front-line fighter aircrew. This contract is for Adversary Air Fighter Jet Services (RedAir) in support of Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC) Air Wing Fallon and SFARP (Strike Fighter Advanced Readiness Program) exercises, FRS and more.
Tactical Air owns and operates a fleet of 25 supersonic F-5 fighter aircraft, largely consisting of an improved, lower flight-time version of the current Adversary platform of the U.S. Navy (USN) and Marine Corps (USMC). Tactical Air has operated F-5 aircraft since 2013. The F-5 is a proven Adversary aircraft also formerly used by the USAF in this role and currently operational with 19 international air forces. While the baseline F-5 flown by the USN/USMC is widely considered a 3rd Generation aircraft, Tactical Air’s existing and planned upgrades economically evolve this aircraft into an advanced tactical aircraft with sensor/system capabilities on par with current DoD 4th Generation fighter aircraft.
Tactical Air F-5 is upgraded with HUD/HOTAS, open architecture mission computers and tailored Operational Flight Programs that enable integration of Duotech’s advanced radar and RWR systems, IRSTS, EA, datalinks, and HOBS simulated weapons employment The F-5’s proven growth potential and twin-engine reliability, paired with our uncompromising corporate safety culture, is the best insurance against hazards and mishaps and lets us meet almost any potential performance requirements. Tactical Air is proud to bring upgraded fleet of F-5 Advanced Tigers (AT) as a 4th generation adversary platform with 3rd generation economy.
A number of these supersonic F-5 fighter aircraft have been upgraded by TacAir after which these were known as F-5AT (Advanced Tiger). The first F-5AT received its FAA CoA already in 2018. The upgrading comprised a new Garmin G3000 large-area cockpit display and communication, navigation, surveillance, and air trac management (CNS/ATM) capability, including automatic dependent surveillance — broadcast (ADS–B) and a terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS), plus hand-on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) controls. The F-5AT also employs the new Argus radar warning receiver (RWR) and the Nemesis Mechanically Scanned Array (MESA) radar. The company maintain over 17,000 line items of F-5 parts in Reno, Nevada warehouse and have developed a comprehensive logistic support network.
