IN THE RED CORNER

摘要

Flight hours are expensive, especially those of highly sophisticated combat jets such as the Eurofighter. So it is important to ensure that every flight hour is used as effectively as possible. But when pilots practise aerial combat against each other using the same aircraft type, the results are split: whereas the 'Blue Air' is deploying the jet as it would do in a real scenario, the opponent performing the role of 'Red Air' has to simulate the tactics of the opposing side. As a result the training benefit for the latter is substantially reduced. "That's where we come in," said Elmar Besold. The 53-year-old is lead fighter pilot at the German branch of Discovery Air Defence (DA Defence). The Canadian company offers 'Red Air' adversary services with six A-4N Skyhawks at Wittmund Air Base for one-sixth of the cost of a Eurofighter hour. But there are other benefits as well.