Aero L-159Es as North Sea Aggressors

Between 26 June and 14 July, Skyline Aviation supports the air-to-air phase of the multinational Fighter Weapons Instructor Training (FWIT) course with 4th Generation “Red Air” operating out of Leeuwarden air base in the Netherlands. Dubbed the North Sea Aggressors, this adversary support scheme using the Aero L-159E Advanced Light Combat Aircraft (ALCA) is a first in Europe. This year the experienced Dutch aerial services provider also marks another milestone: 25 years of providing support to government and corporate clients with high performance aircraft.

Hosted by the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) at Leeuwarden air base, the 2017 edition of FWIT aims to train sixteen F-16 fighter pilots of the European Participating Air Forces (EPAF) of Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal in becoming weapon instructors. Using cost efficient contracted air services brings significant financial benefits to these air forces as it enables them to train more effectively with their own fighter assets.

Committed to providing high training value during FWIT, Skyline Aviation cooperates with Draken International, the US company that owns the world’s largest commercial fleet of ex-military aircraft. Both parties have recently agreed upon an exclusive partnership aimed at those EPAF countries that are situated in Northwestern Europe. Four virtually brand-new Aero L-159E combat aircraft boasting 4th Generation capabilities, yet having low operational costs, are fully integrated in the ongoing training course and provide daily, realistic air combat training. Having the ability to replicate modern air-to-air missiles, the highly capable aircraft are equipped with Leonardo’s GRIFO-L pulse-doppler radar and Sky GUARDIAN 200 radar warning receivers, and Thales’ VICON 78 Series 455 countermeasures dispensing system, hereby simulating advanced threat aircraft.

Operating out of Groningen Eelde airport, Skyline Aviation offers tailor made solutions in adversary support, electronic warfare, Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) training, target towing and radar calibration services. The Dutch company also supports a series of renowned research institutes by providing aerial assets for in-flight testing of advanced technology. Now fielding credible 4th Gen capabilities, Skyline Aviation is convinced it is capable of meeting the growing demand for contracted air services.

Building on a widespread network of relevant partners in the aerospace, defence and security industry, Skyline Aviation is part of the Forum Group. Its customers can thus benefit from additional services that its sister companies AEC Air Support (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, (surrogate) unmanned aerial systems, remote sensing), Southern Cross International (ferry flight services, test flights, special mission operations), PBSim (displays for flight simulators and Electronic Flight Bags: ruggedised hardware, software and services), AEC Medicals (flight physical exams), Breda International Airport and Seppe Airparc (infrastructure) have to offer.

Kim Olde Bijvank