New Arrivals at 4 Wing

[RichB]

Two of Top Aces ex-IDF A-4N's arrived in Cold Lake today. They have been upgraded with AESA Radar, improved TACAN and IFR systems and are NVG compatible. They also received Top Ace's Advanced Aggressor Mission Package that includes IRST, Tactical Datalink and Helmet Cueing System

Cheers,
RichB

 

[jeaton01]

Any idea about the different tail pipes?

 

[sharkman]

Newer replacement engines perhaps?

 

[moon puppy]

OK,...What's up with these guys. I tracked an F16 across the south going to Columbus AFB in Ms the other day, it's the only private owned F16, owned by https://www.topaces.com these guys.

There's another company that owns that Krif that keeps rattling my windows around here. https://www.atacusa.com

N403AX (1979 ISRAEL AIRCRAFT INDUSTRIES KFIR-C2 owned by AIRBORNE TACTICAL ADVANTAGE CO LLC) Aircraft Registration - FlightAware

N403AX (1979 ISRAEL AIRCRAFT INDUSTRIES KFIR-C2 owned by AIRBORNE TACTICAL ADVANTAGE CO LLC) aircraft registration information with aircraft photos, flight tracking, and maps.

www.flightaware.com

Reading these guys websites they offer the military their services for training, in the case of the Krif they even offers air to ground, air to sea training.

When and why has training been privatized?

BTW they have a job opening for a fighter pilot.

 

[moon puppy]

Any idea about the different tail pipes?

No burner? These are demilitarized.

 

[RichB]

Any idea about the different tail pipes?

Newer replacement engines perhaps?

The extended tailpipe modification is known as "Chavit" (Barrel). It was developed fir the A-4 during the Yom Kippur War in 1973 to combat heat seeking missiles.

In 1968 the IDF replaced the Atar engine in the Super Mystere with the J52. In order to maintain the C of G the tailpipe was extended. During the war the Super Mystere was suffering less damage and fewer losses from IR AAM'S while operating in the same role as the A-4.

Extending the tailpipe, approximately 10 inches on the A-4, cooled the exhaust plume and shifted the missiles aiming point further aft. When the war head detonated, that slight shift meant the fragmentation spray was less likely to cause critical damage to flight controls and hydraulic systems in the tail.

Cheers,
RichB

 

[Sharkmouth]

Any idea about the different tail pipes?

Pratt & Whitney J52-P-6A engine was introduced with the 'N' model.

 

[RichB]

OK,...What's up with these guys. I tracked an F16 across the south going to Columbus AFB in Ms the other day, it's the only private owned F16, owned by https://www.topaces.com these guys.

There's another company that owns that Krif that keeps rattling my windows around here. https://www.atacusa.com

N403AX (1979 ISRAEL AIRCRAFT INDUSTRIES KFIR-C2 owned by AIRBORNE TACTICAL ADVANTAGE CO LLC) Aircraft Registration - FlightAware

N403AX (1979 ISRAEL AIRCRAFT INDUSTRIES KFIR-C2 owned by AIRBORNE TACTICAL ADVANTAGE CO LLC) aircraft registration information with aircraft photos, flight tracking, and maps.

www.flightaware.com

Reading these guys websites they offer the military their services for training, in the case of the Krif they even offers air to ground, air to sea training.

When and why has training been privatized?

BTW they have a job opening for a fighter pilot.

The RCAF got out of the Red Air business with retirement of the CF-116.

There was a US operated MiG 21 that crashed off the BC coast in 1999 during an air defence exercise with the RCN. There is a company that uses the Hawker Hunter for training as well. Top Aces stood up in 2000 operating Alpha Jets and Lear Jets. The A-4N and F-16 (29 F-16A's purchased from the IDF in 2020) are their latest additions.

When they are conducting EW missions, there are usually military EW Officers onboard to operate the equipment.

As part of Canada's aid package to Ukraine, Top Aces has been awarded a contract to transfer Ukranian F-16 pilots.

Cheers,
RichB