European Air Force conducts extensive testing of F-16 DART

A 14-man delegation from a European Air Force made up of pilots, JTACs and other personnel visited IFAD and conducted an extensive three-day test and evaluation of a complete DART system (Deployable Advanced Readiness Trainer).

The evaluation was carried out on a system currently set up by IFAD. The system, currently under final preparation, will be delivered to the Portuguese Air Force (PRTAF) later this year.

The DART system

The DART configuration consists of the following subsystems (simulators):

• 4 F-16 ACT pilot stations (in a Cave lineup),
• 2 F-INSTR (IoS) instructor stations,
• 2 IFACTS JTAC stations,
• 8 IRAS radio and intercom systems, and
• 2 ISIM Bridge gateways.

In addition, the DART system is connected to a CGI system and a PCDS debriefing station.

Thorough test and evaluation

Over the course of three days, the delegation conducted numerous missions, including Air-to-Air, Air-to-Ground and Close Air Support (CAS) missions in day as well as night scenarios.

The DART team

The DART system is developed and supplied by the two Danish companies IFAD TS A/S and ArenaLogic ApS. They have since 2010 had a close collaboration and, among other things, have delivered a complete DART system to the Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF).

The two companies have also been awarded a contract for the supply of a complete DART system to the Portuguese Air Force.

A third contract has recently been signed with another European Air Force, which is acquiring the DART system for two air bases. In connection with this delivery, this Air Force conducted the 3 day test and evaluation mentioned above.

DALO News release about DART

A news release from the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) of the DART delivery to the Royal Danish Air Force can be found here:

Nyudviklede taktiske trænere til F-16 står nu færdige (fmi.dk)

An English version is available here:

   New F-16 tactical trainers are now ready (>)