Ex-Fighter Pilot? Apply Here...

[Lyneham Lad]

ECA secures funds for NATO aggressor aircraft purchase

NATO's ability to conduct multi-national combat training could be transformed if a 24-aircraft system being proposed by a Dutch-based company takes off.

The integrated opposing force (IOPFOR) concept now being promoted by ECA Program would see a new fleet of privately-owned and operated lightweight fighters provide an aggressor training service for Alliance nations.

Platform candidates include the Chengdu J-10, RSK MiG-35 and Saab Gripen, with ECA chief executive and IOPFOR manager Melville ten Cate expecting to announce a selection in mid-May.

Sounds interesting...

[Wensleydale]

I wonder if they wish to refurbish the ACMI Range at Waddington?

[frodo_monkey]

Why bother? RAIDS pods + projector + big screen/wall - job jobbed.

[Fortissimo]

Interesting proposal, but I think EASA will prove to be the main stumbling block for this. There will be questions about competences for whichever national aviation authority has to do the oversight (not much experience of fighter ops) and in EASA for the regulatory framework (ditto) unless they can persuade someone to let them operate under a military derogation.

[OvertHawk]

surely, it's a non-starter unless they can go on a military register and therefore someone will let them?

[L J R]

Some years ago, an Australian company tried to set up an outfit like this with a fleet of MiG 21s (from India or somewhere). I believe that the seat certification and servicing requirements were the non-starter for them.

[hunty]

Gents

I did hear a story that a company named ATAC were trying to abtain a contract for this work. They fly A-4s, Kfir's and Hunters in the states.
Nice work if you can get it!

[Geehovah]

Its been tried a few times but it's not easy to replicate a realistic threat at a sensible cost.

[Rosevidney1]

I wonder how 'sensible cost' would be defined these days when everything in aviation is so ruinously expensive?

[Green Flash]

How many AlphaJets do QinetiQ have? And arn't alot of 100 Sqn's drivers Babcock boys? (Or is that FRADU?)

[RimBim]

Frodo - you've earned yourself a RAIDS laser pointer!

[MuppetBoy]

Stay Well Clear of ECA

Interesting Article in a Dutch Magazine exposing the CEO of ECA Program, Melville ten Cate, as a fraudulent bankrupt. It appears that ECA Program has been an elaborate scam built on deception and outright lies.

http://www.quotenet.nl/biz/top-gunondernemer-blijkt-failliet-en-veroordeeld.php