Top Aces Incorporated, a subsidiary of Discovery Air Incorporated,[1] is a defence contractor based in Pointe Claire, Quebec. Working with the Canadian Forces (CF), they train pilots under the Contracted Airborne Training Services (CATS) program.
Founded in 2000, it consists of 3 former CF pilots experienced with CF-18 fighters and jet trainers like the CT-155 Hawk II.
The company signed a $94-million contract with CF in 2005, supplying jet trainers in 2006. It has 16 Alpha Jet trainers, 8 of which are based with 3 Wing at Bagotville, Quebec. In late November 2011 it was announced that the interim CATS contract had been extended until June 2012 with an option to extend to June 2013.
The jets will travel to other training sites:
The Alpha Jets were initially purchased by the German Luftwaffe. They were sold to Abbatare Incorporated of Arlington, Washington and resold to Top Aces.
As of 24 November 2011, 16 Alpha Jets, 3 IAI Westwind 1124's and one Bombardier Challenger 601 have been registered with Transport Canada.[2]
Unlike the BAE Hawk trainers, the Top Aces jets do not have any CF markings and are not included in the CF aircraft inventory. Some Alpha Jets retained the Luftwaffe paint schemes but a few have been repainted in desert or northern camouflage.
| Aircraft | Country of Manufacture | Type | In Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet A[3] | Germany | Light strike | 2005-present | 16 in fleet;[2] 12 leased by Top Aces Consulting for ICATS (Interim Contracted Airborne Training Services); former German Luftwaffe light attack aircraft |
| IAI Westwind 1124[4] | Israel | Combat support training | 2006-present | 3 in fleet[2] |
| Bombardier Challenger 601[5] | Canada | Various missions | 2011-present | 1 in fleet[2] |