DrakenInternationalCommercial AirServicesInterview with JaredIsaacman, DrakenInternational CEO andSean Gustafson, VicePresident of ClientRelations

BY JAN TEGLER

Defense Media NetworkDefense Media NetworkUnveils New Cutting-EdgeUnveils New Cutting-EdgeWebsiteWebsite

Draken International's large anddiverse fleet of aircraft for

PDFmyURL.com

SECTIONS:SECTIONS:Military & Security NewsMilitary & Security News

TOPICS:TOPICS: AerospaceAerospace

LABELS:LABELS: Attack AircraftAttack Aircraft , , Fig hter AircraftFig hter Aircraft,,

Training and EducationTraining and Education

The market for commercial air services(CAS), alternately known as outsourcedflight support, contract adversarysupport, or commercial Red Air, seems tobe gaining altitude. Cutbacks in defensebudgets dating back to the mid-1990s haveleft the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S.Marine Corps with little organic adversarysupport.

Several private firms fielding fleets ofthird-generation fighters and trainers, aswell as support aircraft, have attempted tofill the gap, offering a range ofcommercial air services. Defense MediaNetwork has profiled two – ATAC USAand Omega International . Now, we take alook at one of the newest and largestentrants into this unique business –

contract air services allows themto fill a variety of roles forcustomers. Draken Internationalphoto by Jose Ramos

PDFmyURL.com

Draken International .

Led by Jared Isaacman, founderof the successful payments-

processing firm Harbortouch,Draken is now physically the

largest player in the CAS business,with a fleet of more than 50

tactical aircraft. Comprised ofex-Royal New Zealand Air Force A-

4K Skyhawks (11), ex-RNZAF MB-339CB trainers (9), Aero L-39s

(5), ex-Polish MiG-21bis/UM (25),and Beech Baron and Cessna

Citation 650 support aircraft, thegroup also represents the world’s

largest privately-held fleet oftactical aircraft.

Headquartered in Lakeland, Fla. atLakeland Linder Airport , DrakenInternational was launched quietly at theend of 2011, but has made considerablenoise in 2013. In April, Florida GovernorRick Scott held a press conference toannounce that Draken would create 55jobs and invest $67 million in its Lakeland

PDFmyURL.com

facilities over the next three years.

Led by Jared Isaacman, founder of thesuccessful payments-processing firmHarbortouch, Draken is now physically thelargest player in the CAS business, with afleet of more than 50 tactical aircraft.Comprised of ex-Royal New Zealand AirForce A-4K Skyhawks (11), ex-RNZAF MB-339CB trainers (9), Aero L-39s (5), ex-Polish MiG-21bis/UM (25), and BeechBaron and Cessna Citation 650 supportaircraft, the group also represents theworld’s largest privately-held fleet oftactical aircraft.

The firm aims to be the leader in CAS, andalong with its large fleet, counts a rosterof experienced pilots among its executivesand management, and recently retiredgeneral/flag officers on its board ofadvisors. The L-39s that formed the coreof its fleet derive from the six-ship L-39-equipped Black Diamond Jet Team thatIsaacman formed as the “Heavy Metal JetTeam” in 2011.

To date, the company has won one smallcontract with the Navy, which it has beenflying in support of since July 2012,according to Sean Gustafson, Draken’s VPof Client Relations. We spoke with Draken

PDFmyURL.com

CEO Jared Isaacman and Sean Gustafsonfor details on the new firm.

The L-39s of DrakenThe L-39s of DrakenInternational form the coreInternational form the coreof its fleet, and are derivedof its fleet, and are derivedfrom the earlier Blackfrom the earlier BlackDiamond Jet Team. DavidDiamond Jet Team. DavidBallis photoBallis photo

Jan Tegler: How did the idea forDraken International arise?Apparently, the Black Diamond JetTeam members were instrumentalin its formation. Was this an

PDFmyURL.com

inspiration Mr. Isaacman had, anopportunity recognized by the teammembers, or did it evolve morebroadly?

Jared Isaacman: Draken Internationaldid evolve from the Black Diamond JetTeam. The idea was a collaborationthroughout the team and ultimately cameto fruition after our first major aircraftacquisition. While we all enjoyed our timeflying with Black Diamond, theorganization is now extremely focused onour rapidly growing enterprise at Draken.

Why launch Draken now?

The demand for the work we perform,CAS, has never been stronger. The presentfiscal environment calls for cost savings.So the opportunity is right for the businessmodel we provide. That stated, we weren’tgoing to enter the industry unless we coulddifferentiate ourselves from those thathave tried to create this model previously.That is why we searched the world andpurchased the best aircraft to exceed therequirements of our importantDepartment of Defense customers.

PDFmyURL.com

What is it about the current defenselandscape and the market forcontract air support that Drakenfinds attractive?

The present budget constraints areforcing the Department of Defense to findinnovative ways to save money. UtilizingCAS such as Draken positions thegovernment to save upwards of a billiondollars over the next decade. As anexample, we can put five of our A-4KSkyhawks in the air for the price of asingle F-16 on an hourly basis. In today’senvironment, that type of savings can’t beignored.

In addition, delays with the F-35 programhave put a premium value on the remainingflight hours on legacy fighters such as F-16, F-15 and F-18s. That puts Draken in aunique situation where we can save thegovernment tens of thousands of dollarsper flight hour and preserve the valuablelife remaining on the legacy fighter force.

PDFmyURL.com

In terms of physical size,In terms of physical size,Draken International is theDraken International is thelargest player in thelargest player in thecommercial air servicescommercial air services(CAS) market. Draken(CAS) market. DrakenInternational photo by JoseInternational photo by JoseRamosRamos

How will the company differentiateitself from other firms in this

PDFmyURL.com

space?

We feel there are a lot of things thatdifferentiate Draken International. Thisincludes our organizational infrastructure,financial resources, and maintenancepractices, but without a question ouraircraft are what truly sets us apart. Weown over 50 tactical fighter jets – thelargest privately owned fleet in the world.The quantity and more importantly thecapabilities our jets have are unmatched.

Our Douglas A-4K Skyhawks underwent aseveral hundred million dollar upgradeprogram in New Zealand to include theradar, avionics, data bus and othercapabilities typically found in the F-16. Thisgives our customers a tactically relevantadversary with generation-four capabilitieswhile at the same time saving substantialdollars.

What is the range of services thecompany will provide?

Draken provides a wide range of services,from “Red Air” adversary support toresearch and development. Other missionsinclude fleet defense training, JTAC [joint

PDFmyURL.com

terminal attack controller] training, andchase services, as well as air to airrefueling.

Our A-4K Skyhawks have buddy storeswhich are able to pass fuel to any probe-equipped aircraft or refuel ourselves. Thisprovides an incredible cost-savings to ourcustomer versus using a tanker aircraft ora Navy asset. It also extends our owncapabilities, providing the customer withmore training instead of wasted timegoing back and forth to the base to refuel.

We are the only CAS provider thatoperates buddy store refueling tanks. Inall cases, our missions are about trainingand threat replication. Our role is not toreplace U.S. military aggressors but toaugment and compliment them in a puretraining role.

Draken International’sDraken International’s

PDFmyURL.com

former New Zealand Airformer New Zealand AirForce A-4K “Fighting Hawks”Force A-4K “Fighting Hawks”(background) are equipped(background) are equippedwith the APG-66 radar andwith the APG-66 radar andother advanced equipmentother advanced equipmentnever seen on typicalnever seen on typicalSkyhawks. One of theSkyhawks. One of thecompany’s Macchi MB-339scompany’s Macchi MB-339sis in the foreground. Drakenis in the foreground. DrakenInternational photo by JoseInternational photo by JoseRamosRamos

What is the makeup of Drakenaircrew and maintainers?

They are primarily ex-Navy and Air Forcepilots and maintainers. Each one has beenhired for their specific expertise. We haveFighter Weapons School and Top GunInstructors, and our maintainers haveattended the best schools in the world. Foraircrew specifically, we tend to looktowards part-time U.S. Navy/U.S. AirForce Reserve and Guard pilots that areable to make Draken their full time job andcontinue their military service part-time.This ensures we have the most current andexperienced pilots possible.

PDFmyURL.com

How is the company finding talent?

The company has continued to growthrough word of mouth andrecommendations. The governor ofFlorida held a press conference in ourhangar in April and that gave us a flood ofresumes of highly talented individuals. Weare fortunate to be able to pick the best ofthe best to work with us.

How significant is the inclusion ofAPG-66 radars and RWRs on thefirm’s A-4Ks?

The APG-66 Radar and RWR are certainlya differentiator in today’s market. Theability to target aircraft or “spike” themprovides a realistic threat. Our ability to bea RWR aware threat and react isunmatched. America’s fourth andespecially fifth-gen fighters need morethan just a piece of metal in the sky totarget. Draken provides a great dealmore.

The A-4Ks were equipped with the

PDFmyURL.com

APG-66 while still in RNZAF service,correct?

Yes, the A-4Ks were equipped with APG-66while in RNZAF service and maintained ata high FMC (mission-capable) rate. Wehave all the equipment needed to supportthese radars as well as the spares. It is anoutstanding radar and is excellent in theaggressor role. In fact, the U.S. Navy F-16aggressors operate very similar radar, aswell as numerous other militaries aroundthe world. We’re fortunate to benefit fromthe several hundred million dollar upgradeprogram that New Zealand felt theseaircraft deserved.

What’s the reasoning behind the mixof aircraft Draken is fieldingcurrently (presumably theavailability of ex-RNZAF aircraft hada lot to do with it) and how are pilotstrained on the different aircrafttypes (particularly the MiG-21s)?

While we operate three different aircrafttypes, it’s important to see the role they fillfor the customer. Having aircraft that fitspecific mission sets helps ensure we areproviding the best service.

PDFmyURL.com

One of DrakenOne of DrakenInternational’s A-4Ks in theInternational’s A-4Ks in thehangar. The company has ahangar. The company has acommitment to a strongcommitment to a stronginfrastructure and logisticsinfrastructure and logisticsas much as to acquiring theas much as to acquiring thebest aircraft and personnel.best aircraft and personnel.Draken International photoDraken International photoby Jose Ramosby Jose Ramos

The A-4K Skyhawk is a true multi-roleplatform that can fulfill A/G, A/A andR&D mission sets. The Mig-21 is ouroptimal supersonic platform, equippedwith a NATO “JAY BIRD” radar. TheAermacchi MB-339 is clearly the bestJTAC training platform in the A/G roleavailable in the CAS industry. Our pilots arefull time pilots trained on one airframe,becoming experts on the platform and itsrelated missions. This increases safety,professionalism and ensures the bestservice for our customer.

PDFmyURL.com

Does the company plan to operatefrom facilities other than theLakeland headquarters?

Sean Gustafson: We currently have twoA-4Ks at BAE System’s facility at MojaveAir and Spaceport.

Draken’s executive team and itsboard have considerable tacticalaviation experience, but Mr.Isaacman does not. What does hisleadership bring to the company?

Sean Gustafson: Mr. Isaacman bringsincredible business savvy and anunmatched passion for aviation to thecompany. His successes over the pastdecade as CEO of Harbortouch give himthe experience needed to take Draken tothe highest level in the industry.

Draken has executed a strategy wecall “Field of Dreams –if you build

it they will come.” As such, wepurchased the best jets and builtan unbelievable infrastructure to

PDFmyURL.com

support them. We have theexpertise to pilot and maintainthese aircraft and we have an

indigenous supply line that ensuresmaximum sortie rates. We believewe have put all the pieces together

to be a true asset to the U.S.government and taxpayers.

He has thousands of hours of flying privateand tactical aircraft and continues toexcel in every airframe. His confident andapproachable attitude motivates everyperson in Draken to perform at his or hervery best. The Draken “culture” stemsfrom Mr. Isaacman and it is certainly awinning attitude.

Other firms in this space, workingprimarily with the Navy viacommercial air services contractsand the Air Force through MIPR(military interdepartmentalpurchase request) money have comeand gone. How will Draken sustainitself?

PDFmyURL.com

Jared Isaacman: We have the best-equipped fleet and the ability to sustainthese aircraft for many years. We made acommitment when we went out andpurchased these aircraft. Others havesimply leased a few jets with little supportbehind them and were destined for failurefrom the beginning.

Draken has executed a strategy we call“Field of Dreams –if you build it they willcome.” As such, we purchased the best jetsand built an unbelievable infrastructure tosupport them. We have the expertise topilot and maintain these aircraft and wehave an indigenous supply line that ensuresmaximum sortie rates. We believe we haveput all the pieces together to be a trueasset to the U.S. government andtaxpayers.

Does Draken see potential inproviding its services outsideCONUS to foreign air forces?

Jared Isaacman: Contract air servicesare continuing to grow on a global scale.The same savings the U.S. government isstarting to enjoy will be recognizedglobally. Our immediate priority is to tackle

PDFmyURL.com

Indian NavalAviation:Transforming at60

World War IIArmor Trainingin Color l Photos

Sen. John McCainBlocks DempseyNomination

The Air-SeaBattle Concept:Antecedents

the domestic workload, but we doanticipate future international expansionacross NATO nations.

RELATED POSTSRELATED POSTS

PhotosPhotos

PDFmyURL.com

BY BY JAN TEGLERJAN TEGLER

Jan Teg lerJan Teg ler is a writer/broadcaster from is a writer/broadcaster from

Severna Park, Md. His work appears in aSeverna Park, Md. His work appears in a

variety...variety...

1

Twe e tTwe e t

0

Submit

21

Like

COMMENTSCOMMENTS

Facebook s ocia l p lug in

Add a comment...

Sam Hall

There are a couple of minor photo caption errors. The "L-39" pictured is a T-33, and the upgraded A-4/TA-4K should be referred to as a "Kahu" rather than a"Fightinghawk", as the latter term relates to the Argentine A-4AR (A-4M upgrade) rather than the New Zealand A-4K.

Reply · Like · 5 hours ago

BACK TO TOP

PDFmyURL.com

What the New U.S. DHSSecretary Needs to Do

Sen. John McCain BlocksDempsey Nomination

The Air-Sea BattleConcept: Antecedents

Global Trends 2030: GiniOut of the Bottle

Interview with RearAdm. Mark A. Vance,Commander, Naval Strikeand Air Warfare Center(NSAWC)

Enter your email...

POPULAR ARTICLES

NEWSLETTER SIGN UPNEWSLETTER SIGN UP

Sig n up for the Defense Media NetworkSig n up for the Defense Media Network

newsletter. News and articles delivered tonewsletter. News and articles delivered to

your inbox!your inbox!

SIGN UP!SIGN UP!

POPULAR VIDEOS

PDFmyURL.com

FACEBOOK

FEATURED

M134D Minigun Highlights First F-35B VerticalTakeoff Test

Oklahoma City TornadoResponse

Lt. Gen. Charles ClevelandUSSOCOM ComponentCommander Panel

Defense Media Network

Like

12,601 people like Defense Media Network.

Facebook s ocia l p lug in

PHOTOS

PDFmyURL.com

View one of our g reatView one of our g reat

shop categ oriesshop categ ories

below:below:

PrintPrintPublicationsPublications

BooksBooks

NEWESTPRINT

PUBLICATION

BUYBUY

TWITTER

Today is National Hot Dog Day! Hot dogs serve as a taste o f home for those deployed:

Def enseMediaNet wo rk @DefenseMediaNet

Tweets

Tweet to @DefenseMediaNet

SHOPSHOP

Boston MarathonBombings Response lPhotos

USS Enterprise (CVN 65)Retires l Photos

Hurricane Sandy Recoveryl Photos

P-3 Orion Marks 50thAnniversary

Hurricane Sandy MilitaryResponse l Photos

PDFmyURL.com

Connect to DMN

BROWSE THE SHOP!BROWSE THE SHOP!

AboutAbout ContactContact AdvertiseAdvertise

PromotionsPromotions

Terms & ConditionsTerms & Conditions

© 2013 Defense Media Network.Faircount Media Group. All Rights

Reserved.

BACK TO TOP

BUYBUYNOW!NOW!

PDFmyURL.com