Like Flying Lions

Over the last few decades, the training layout of the IAF consisted primarily of 1950s-1960s vintage aircraft: Piper aircraft were used in the initial screening phase of the flight training course, to test the cadets' ability to operate an airborne platform. Fouga CM-170 Magister (Tzukit) two-seat jet trainers were used for basic flight training and A-4 Skyhawk (Ayit) trainers were used for advanced and tactical combat training. With the introduction of new, cutting-edge platforms into the IAF arsenal, like the F-16 (Netz, Barak and Sufa) and F-15 (Baz and Ra'am) fighters, the qualitative gap between the trainer aircraft and first-line fighters increased, and the flight school cadets who reached the finishing line of the flight training course over the years were ill prepared to handle the operational aircraft. The problem applied to actual flying aspects (for example the Fly-by-Wire systems of the more advanced aircraft) as well as to the state-of-the-art weapon systems. In addition to the above, the obsolescence of the ageing trainer aircraft led to an increase in the number of malfunctions and maintenance costs and to a decrease in serviceability.

Consequently, IAF decided, in the early 2000s, to initiate a comprehensive process involving the replacement of the training platforms of the IAF flight school. In 2002, the Piper aircraft were replaced by Grob G-120 (Snunit) aircraft for the initial screening phase. In 2010, Beechcraft Texan-II (Efroni) aircraft replaced the veteran Tzukit trainers. The Efroni trainers have a cockpit layout and state-of-the-art avionics that are similar to those of the IAF's first-line aircraft.

The Selection of the Lavi Trainer

The third stage, which began a few months ago, consisted of the introduction of the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master (Lavi) trainers, selected to replace the old A-4 Ayit trainers. In early 2012, following a three-year competition between the Italian-made M-346 and the Korean-made T-50 trainer, IAF decided that they preferred the Italian trainer, and the decision was endorsed by the Government and the Knesset in July 2012. The IAF testing team ruled out that the Italian trainer was superior to the Korean trainer with regard to most parameters. The testing process addressed the training envelope of the aircraft, the integration of flight simulators and a review of the training resources available to the instructor, both in the air and on the ground, including the various options for debriefing and analyzing each sortie. Another element examined in depth involved the safety standards of the aircraft. Both of the trainers tested by IAF, the Italian one and the Korean one, proved to be superior to the A-4 Ayit with regard to all of those parameters. Both have better capabilities with regard to actual training and higher safety standards. According to the testing team, "The Italian trainer constitutes a combination between the F-16, F-15 and Eurofighter. It has two engines, as opposed to the Korean trainer that only has one engine, with the former offering an important safety advantage. We addressed all of the considerations: suitability, capabilities, safety, instruction and maturity, and reached the conclusion that the Italian trainer is superior. Looking ahead to the future aircraft of the IAF, the Lavi offers a better preparatory solution for the F-35 fighter as well, and generally prepares us better for the future."

On July 9, 2014, the last stage of the revolution IAF has been leading over the last few years in its trainer aircraft layout began with the introduction of the first pair (out of 30 aircraft) of Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master trainers, designated "Lavi" in the IAF.

So far, eight trainers of the 30 ordered have been delivered, and the rest are scheduled to be delivered over the course of the coming year. The new trainers will replace the A-4 Ayit trainers used in the advanced phase of the flight training course and the A-4 Ayit and F-16 Netz aircraft used in the operational training phase (which takes place after the cadets graduate from the flight training course and before they are assigned to their operational squadrons).

The Lavi trainer offers several innovative features and new capabilities which are likely to affect the IAF's training methodologies.

The new trainer has state-of-the-art avionics which enable training activities incorporating such aspects as Radar, EW/ECM, advanced munitions and air-to-air missiles. The Lavi trainer was designed and built as a trainer aircraft featuring unique characteristics that make learning, execution and debriefing/analysis of the training sorties easier. Flying the Lavi trainer is significantly easier and more intuitive than flying the veteran A-4 Ayit trainer, owing to the Fly-by-Wire system fitted in the Lavi. Additionally, the aircraft systems offer the option of creating, in each aircraft, two additional virtual entities – fighter aircraft, ground threats, targets, etc. – which are injected into the on-board Radar system. The aircraft has a datalink feature that enables airborne contact with multiple aircraft, as well as real-time contact with simulators on the ground. This capability enables training scenarios that incorporate multiple platforms, like air combat maneuvers in pairs, formation flying and so forth.

The highlight of the Lavi trainer acquisition is, without a doubt, the training package acquired along with the aircraft. The package includes several computer-based systems that are, in fact, simulator systems with varying degrees of sophistication.

The first layer is known as Computer-Based Training (CBT). It includes an interactive learning system with computer-based lesson outlines of the aircraft vital checks, structure and many other subjects.

The second layer is known as Skill-Based Training (SBT). It includes five basic simulators (made up of computer workstations and displays) that enable learning and practicing of basic procedures/drills (starting, taxiing, take-off and landing), various emergency procedures and preparation for flying under different weather conditions. The simulators are interconnected so that they may be used to practice formation flying as well.

The third layer is known as the Operational Flight Simulator (OFS). It consists of two complete simulators with a moving cockpit and a 220-degree screen. These simulators enable the pilots, in addition to the basic activities listed above, to learn and rehearse various tactical procedures before they take to the air (for example air combat maneuvers, air-to-surface strikes, etc.). This greatly improves the efficiency and utilization of the actual flight time.

The fourth layer is known as the Full Mission Simulator (FMS). It consists of two simulators with a moving cockpit and a 330-degree screen. This simulator offers full rearview vision, which enables advanced training and practicing of complex missions where a wide field of view is required, like air combat maneuvers in pairs, formation flying, addressing of aerial and ground-based threats and targets, release of munitions and so forth.

The last four simulators are interconnected and are also linked to aircraft in the air, thereby enabling combined sorties, formation flights, air-to-air encounters, air-to-surface strikes and other activities. The simulators were developed by Elbit Systems in cooperation with the aircraft manufacturer, Alenia Aermacchi.

Like the other training platforms of the IAF, the Lavi trainer system will also be maintained and supported by a civilian contractor – Tor Advanced Flight Training, established as a partnership of Elbit Systems and IAI. As outlined above, the Lavi trainer features a capability that enables the addition of virtual entities that are displayed on the on-board Radar screen as well as on the display screens of the simulators linked to it. This capability enriches the training environment and enables the injection of various threats (enemy aircraft, surface-to-air missiles) and targets (armored vehicles, buildings), so that the training activity becomes more realistic and emulates the real-life conditions the aerial warfighter will encounter in the future.

Whereas the Lavi is expected to replace the A-4 Ayit and the F-16 Netz aircraft in the advanced training role, the IAF has initiated the establishment of the "Flying Tigers" Lavi squadron and the preparation of advanced training scenarios for the new trainer aircraft.