Top Aces Integrates Cutting-Edge IRST on F-16 Advanced Aggressor Fighter

Top Aces Corp. (Top Aces), the world’s only commercial operator of the F-16 aircraft for advanced adversary air (ADAIR) training, announces the integration of an infrared search and track (IRST) capability on its F-16 Advanced Aggressor Fighter (AAF) platform. This sophisticated IRST technology, used in military and aerospace applications to detect, track, and identify targets by measuring their infrared (IR) radiation, will significantly enhance the training experience for U.S. Air Force (USAF) 5th generation fighter pilots.

“We’re delighted to add this advanced IRST capability to our ADAIR training portfolio,” says Russ Quinn, President of Top Aces Corp., a USAF veteran and former Aggressor pilot. “Fitted with Top Aces’ open architecture ‘Advanced Aggressor Mission System’ (AAMS), our F-16 AAF will continue to rapidly integrate a range of high-tech sensors to meet evolving customer requirements.”

Top Aces’ F-16 AAF aircraft, already equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a helmet mounted cueing system, and Link-16 capabilities, have now been further upgraded with Northrop Grumman’s cutting-edge OpenPod™. Featuring Leonardo’s state-of-the-art SkyWard scanning IRST, a passive long-wave infrared sensor, the system offers a wide scan volume for early target detection and engagement beyond visual range. This latest addition allows the Top Aces pilot to select and slave one advanced sensor to another, optimizing their ability to challenge 5th Generation tactics across various phases of air-to-air combat training engagements.

Top Aces collaborated with Leonardo, Northrop Grumman, Coherent Technical Services Inc. (CTSi), and Seger Aviation LLC to field the IRST on its F-16 AAF – a first of its kind in the ADAIR industry.

 “The Air Force needs a highly capable adversary to train against. We firmly believe our F-16 AAF platform, combined with our highly experienced personnel, offer the most realistic and cost-effective solution to prepare the next generation of combat leaders,” continues Quinn.