An important milestone has been reached in the U.S. Navy’s ARTEMIS project: RUAG has handed over the first of a total of 22 F-5 jets to Tactical Air Support (Tactical Air). Acting as a subcontractor on behalf of Tactical Air, RUAG is responsible for performing inspections and selected structural work on the F-5 aircraft and for overhauling the engines. In July 2022, the U.S. Navy assigned the contract for the ARTEMIS F-5 modernization program to Tactical Air. As a subcontractor of Tactical Air, RUAG is responsible for specific maintenance services on the F-5 airframes and for the overhaul of the GE-J-85 engines. The U.S. Navy acquired the 22 F-5 aircraft from the Swiss government several years ago. The U.S. Navy’s objective is to use the F-5 fleet for its Red Air training program (tactical pilot training) and to operate these aircraft reliably and cost-effectively until 2040 and beyond. To enable the aircraft to simulate more modern jets within the training program, comprehensive avionics upgrades have been implemented as part of the ARTEMIS project.
Alongside this, safety improvements and an obsolescence program are also being realized. The latter ensures that maintenance work can be carried out and spare parts are available during the corresponding time frame. The intensity of the selected structural work varies depending on the number of flight hours and the condition of the aircraft. RUAG is currently working on four F-5 airframes. The first F-5 jet has now been delivered to Tactical Air in order that further work can be carried out in Jacksonville, Florida. There, the aircraft will be further modernized by Tactical Air with the installation of a new cockpit and a modern avionics suite. This project is making a significant contribution to maintaining and securing Swiss expertise and capabilities for the Swiss F-5 fleet. It also opens up additional business prospects for RUAG.
Tactical Air Support, Inc. (Tactical Air) is an American defense contractor headquartered in Reno, Nevada at Reno-Stead Airport. Some of its employees are former fighter weapons school and operational commanders, instructors, and/or test pilots that specialize in advanced tactical air support. Tactical Air provides consulting and commercial air services (including JTAC training, UAV chase, flight training, maintenance, logistics, and adversary support) to U.S. and allied forces in a manner similar to the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) and the USAF Weapons School. TacAir Global, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tactical Air Support, Inc., focuses on international training.
Tactical Air imported 21 Jordanian F-5Es in spring 2017, with a focus on 4th generation aggressor capability upgrades. The result is a comprehensive systems upgrade, utilizing technology specifically tailored to replicate existing and emerging threat aircraft. Tactical Air F-5 Advanced Tiger(F-5AT) 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-5AT’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 our upgraded fleet of F-5AT E/Fs as a 4th generation adversary platform with 3rd generation economy.
