Top Aces, the world’s leading provider of advanced adversary air (ADAIR) and joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) training to allied forces, unveils first Alpha Jet in the Arctic Camo paint scheme, part of the company’s fleet that flies a variety of mission profiles for the Canadian Armed Forces, including adversary air, electronic warfare, anti-ship warfare, target tow and joint terminal attack controller training. In 2023, Top Aces announced the extension and amendment of its pre-existing CATS agreement with Canada through October 2029. Top Aces was founded in 2000 by three former Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighter pilots. Operating a fleet of upgraded Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jets and Bombardier Learjet 35s, Top Aces has been a trusted training partner of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) since 2005.
The Dornier Alpha Jet, operated by Top Aces, has been established as a formidable asset in modern air training and adversary support. With its blend of high performance, exceptional fuel endurance, reliability, and advanced avionics, the Alpha Jet excels across a wide range of mission profiles. Key upgrades include:
- Multi-Function Displays (MFDs): Provide pilots with critical flight and mission data.
- Modern Avionics and Flight Management System: Enhance operational efficiency and mission effectiveness.
- Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Capability: Ensure safe operation in all weather conditions.
- Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN): Improve navigation accuracy.
- Martin Baker Ejection Seats and Dassault Canopy Escape System: Enhance pilot safety in emergencies.
The Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet is a light attack jet and advanced jet trainer co-manufactured by Dassault Aviation of France and Dornier Flugzeugwerke of Germany. The Alpha Jet features a tandem cockpit configuration, accommodating a crew of two. It has a normal takeoff weight range of 13,200 to 14,330 pounds and measures 40 feet in length. Powered by two SNECMA Larzac 04-C6 engines, the Alpha Jet can achieve speeds of up to 0.95 Mach, making it a formidable presence in training exercises. The Top Aces Dornier Alpha Jet stands out as a versatile and highly capable aircraft, playing a pivotal role in preparing military forces for the complexities of modern warfare. Its advanced upgrades and diverse mission capabilities make it an essential tool for training and adversary simulation, ensuring that military personnel are well-prepared for any challenge they may face.
Top Aces Inc. is a Montreal, Quebec-based defence contractor that offers contracted airborne training services to the Canadian Armed Forces, Bundeswehr, and United States Air Force. Operating a fleet of modernized fighter aircraft, flown by highly experienced ex-military pilots, they provide Red Air threat replication, Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) training, practice munitions drop, air-to-air gunnery training and naval target tow profiles. The Alpha Jet and Lear 35 platforms are also utilized by No. 414 Squadron RCAF for electronic warfare training and tactics development, and support for advanced radar trials in nationally controlled environments, as part of the CATS contract. All Electronic Warfare Officers and EW role equipment being provided by the Royal Canadian Air Force. Canadian Armed Forces personnel are authorized to fly on board Top Aces fighter aircraft.
