Discovery Air deploys A-4N jets to Germany ahead of training contract
Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
04 November 2014



Discovery Air Defence Services Inc. has begun the deployment of Douglas A-4 Skyhawk aircraft to Germany ahead of a five-year training contract that is set to begin in early 2015, the company announced on 29 October.

The subsidiary of Canadian specialist aviation company Discovery Air has started the transfer of seven upgraded A-4N aircraft to Wittmund in northern Germany in anticipation of the commencement of its training contract, which is due to begin in January 2015.

Under the contract, which was announced in February, the company's A-4N fleet will be used to give the German Armed Forces about 1,200 hours of fast jet airborne training services per year until 2020.The contract value has not been disclosed.

At the time of the announcement, Discovery Air said that it attributes "strategic" importance to this German training deal, saying "it establishes Defence Services in Europe and provides a solid foundation for future expansion in that market".

The A-4Ns fielded by Discovery Air Defence Services, which have been upgraded with digital 'glass' cockpits, are former Israeli Air Force aircraft fitted with infrared-suppressing tailpipe extensions.

As well as the A-4N Skyhawks, Discovery Air Defence Services operates a fleet of 16 modified Alpha Jets in airborne training services. According to the company's website, the A-4Ns offer tactical 'Red Air' adversary support services, fighter lead-in training, electronic warfare, radar theory, and other combat tactics. The Alpha Jet is suited to day and night joint tactical air controller (JTAC) training, adversary support and anti-shipping attack training for naval forces, 'Red Air' including large-scale coalition air exercises, air-to-air gunnery target tow, both circular and combat dart missions for fighter forces, and electronic warfare training for naval and fighter forces.

Discovery Air Defence Services and Discovery Air also operate the Challenger 601, IAI Westwind 1124 and Learjet 35A business jets, and the Beechcraft King Air 300 twin-engine turboprop in airborne training missions. Company released figures give Discovery Air a 98% mission success rate, and 40,000 accident-free flight hours over the previous eight years.

http://www.janes.com/article/45316/d...ining-contract