RCAF News

[Kip Powick]

The Golden Hawks were the premier RCAF display team  and were followed by the the Golden Centennaires and now the Snowbirds.

If you are not aware, that is a painting of  the Golden Hawks doing a MISSING MAN formation  fly past. The aircraft that has pulled up represents the individual that was killed in a training accident, Sam Eisler.

The Missing Man formation is rather heart wrenching for the next of kin  and emotionally difficult for the pilots as well.  I have done two, one as the PULL-UP, (#2), and one as # 4. ....RIP Brian and Rick

[Malcolm]

Road traffic alert.

Retired air force jets being towed to CFB Borden next week - Bradford News (bradfordtoday.ca)

NEWS RELEASE
DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENCE
*************************
Royal Canadian Air Force CT-155 Hawk aircraft, recently retired from flying service, will be towed to their new home at 16 Wing/CFB Borden the evening/morning of May 13 and 14 and May 14 and 15 between approximately 8 p.m and 6 a.m.

 

The following roads will be affected by the move:

• Nottawasaga 33 and 34 Sideroad
• N. Nottawasaga Concession 6
• Fairground Road
• Simcoe County Road 42/Dufferin County Road 18
• Dufferin County Road 17/Simcoe County Roa 5
• Simcoe County Road 15

After reaching the end of their service lives, the CT-155 Hawk advanced jet trainers were recently retired as the lead-in trainer for new fighter pilots and will now find a new home and new life as maintenance trainers at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering, where the air force’s new generation of aircraft technicians learn their trades.

Members of the public are requested to follow all road and safety directions provided by escorting traffic control personnel and members of the Ontario Provincial Police and Canadian Forces Military Police. It is anticipated the road move will take approximately nine hours each night.

[deicer]

Pictures of the move from social media...

 

[st27]

What exactly is “the end of their service life” ? It seems other countries continue to deploy the Hawk, and if we can keep 40 year old F18s flying, why can’t we do the same with the ct155?…….or is it just cost cutting and out sourcing?

[conehead]

Do you guys know a former RCAF pilot named Billy Flynn? He has posted some pretty strong opinions about this on various social media...

[Malcolm]

7 hours ago, st27 said:

What exactly is “the end of their service life” ? It seems other countries continue to deploy the Hawk, and if we can keep 40 year old F18s flying, why can’t we do the same with the ct155?…….or is it just cost cutting and out sourcing?

Hawk training aircraft bows out of Royal Canadian Air Force - Airforce Technology (airforce-technology.com)

[Kip Powick]

recently retired as the lead-in trainer for new fighter pilots 

 

Its not the life of the trainer, it's just the fact that initial pilot training is going to the USAF. I am sure that bean-counters figured it was easier to use the USAF rather than keep using planes that did not really fly. or could be used as a prelim trainer for our "new fighter pilots".

[W5]

3 hours ago, conehead said:

Do you guys know a former RCAF pilot named Billy Flynn? He has posted some pretty strong opinions about this on various social media...

https://billieflynn.com/dropping-the-ball-again-canadian-fighter-pilot-training/

[Malcolm]

Canada announces $11B for military aircraft training

 

Mike Le Couteur

Senior Political Correspondent, CTV News Channel

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Published May 29, 2024 7:46 a.m. MDT

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Canada has announced an $11.2-billion contract to improve training platforms for the military, including the purchase of 70 training aircraft for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.

Defence Minister Bill Blair made the announcement at the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries’ annual defence industry tradeshow (CANSEC) in Ottawa. According to a news release from the Department of National Defence, the training aircraft will be split into fleets including two-seat turboprop training and aerobatic low-wing aircraft, helicopters and Dash-8s.

It’s about delivering real capability to our armed forces,” said Blair in a speech to a breakfast at CANSEC.

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The contract includes classroom instruction, simulator and flight training, as well as numerous on-site support activities for prospective RCAF Pilots, Air Combat Systems Officers.

The announcement is part of money already allocated from the government meaning Canada is still committing to spending 1.76 per cent of GDP on National defence by 2029-30.

This is a developing news story. More information to come.

[Maverick]

SkyAlyne awarded $11.2B contract for Canada's Future Aircrew Training program - Skies Mag

[Maverick]

SkyAlyne awarded $11.2B contract for Canada’s Future Aircrew Training program

DND PRESS RELEASE | MAY 29, 2024

Estimated reading time  11 minutes, 55 seconds.

Pilatus PC-21 (Swiss Air Force). Rein Luehof Photo

On May 29, at the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries’ annual defence industry tradeshow (CANSEC), the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, announced significant investments to equip the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with new, state-of-the-art platforms for training and operations at home and abroad.

To provide the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) with modern, state-of-the-art aircrew training, Blair announced the award of a 25-year contract valued at $11.2 billion (including taxes) to SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. Through this contract, Canada will acquire over 70 training aircraft in total, split into five fleets. These include fleets of:

• Grob G120TP;
• Pilatus PC-21;
• Beechcraft King Air 260;
• Airbus Helicopters H135; and, 
• De Havilland Dash 8-400 equipped with a mission training system in the cabin.

Today’s investment is part of the largest recapitalization of the RCAF since the Second World War. Since 2022 alone, the Government of Canada has finalized the procurement or upgrade of approximately 140 new aircraft for the RCAF – from F-35 fighters to P-8A Poseidon multi-mission aircraft. This particular investment will bolster our ability to train a sufficient number of qualified aircrew to meet our operational requirements.

Beechcraft King Air 260. Photo courtesy of SkyAlyne

The contract will also include classroom instruction, simulator and flight training, as well as numerous on-site support activities for prospective RCAF pilots, Air Combat Systems Officers, and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators. Training under this new contract will continue to take place at key RCAF Wings in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and is expected to begin in spring 2029.  

The FAcT program has the potential to create or maintain 3,400 jobs and contribute $405 million annually into Canada’s gross domestic product over a 25-year period. 

Minister Blair also announced that Canada is investing up to $2.58 billion (including taxes) to acquire and maintain a new fleet of logistics vehicles for the Canadian Army. Canada has awarded contracts to General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada in a joint venture with Marshall Canada, for the Logistics Vehicle Modernization (LVM) project.

As indicated in our renewed vision for defence, Our North, Strong and Free, the Government of Canada is committed to a renewed relationship with Canada’s defence industry, based on clarity, certainty, and long-term partnership. Today’s investments are excellent examples of projects that will provide the CAF with the tools that they need to protect Canada while supporting the growth and competitiveness of Canada’s aerospace, defence and automotive sector.

Vijay Mistry Photo

Quotes

“Today’s investments demonstrate that when we work collaboratively with Canadian industry partners, we can provide our troops with the tools that they need to do their jobs – and support good jobs right across Canada. With these projects, and through our renewed vision for defence, Our North, Strong and Free, we are committed to building an even stronger relationship with industry, founded on transparency and trust.” — The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence

“Today’s announcements regarding the Future Aircrew Training program and the Logistics Vehicle Modernization project will not only ensure that members of the Canadian Armed Forces have the latest training and technologies to carry out their important missions on behalf of Canadians, but also create highly skilled jobs and further contribute to the growth and competitiveness of Canada’s defence industry.” — The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement

“These major contracts underscore Canada’s commitment to fortifying our national defence while simultaneously bolstering our industrial landscape. These programs showcase our dedication to equipping our Armed Forces with cutting-edge capabilities while propelling the growth of our defence sector. Through the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, we ensure that these investments not only strengthen our defence capabilities but also nurture the leadership of Canadian supply chains, fostering job creation and economic prosperity for years to come.” — The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

Airbus H135. Photo courtesy of SkyAlyne

“Nothing is more important than our people. We must modernize our training systems as we are modernizing our front-line equipment and weapons systems. The Future Aircrew Training program will do that by incorporating the latest training concepts and technologies and adapting to emerging trends to ensure Royal Canadian Air Force personnel can operate and win in highly contested and increasingly complex theatres of operation.” — Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force 

Quick Facts

• The FAcT program will use existing RCAF training sites. Initial aircrew training for pilots, air combat system officers, and airborne electronic sensor operators will be conducted at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, and 402 Squadron, at 17 Wing Winnipeg, Manitoba.
• The program will deliver training services that are essential for their progression to the Operational Training Units, where they will then learn their specific roles on fighter, transport, surveillance, and rotary wing operational aircraft.
• The new FAcT contract will replace training services currently provided through in-house delivery by the RCAF, as well as two separate contracts:
  • A $4.6 billion, 25-year contract with CAE Military Aviation Training awarded in May 1998 and expiring in 2028 (including an option-year), for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Flying Training in Canada program, which operates out of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; and
  • A $1.8 billion, 22-year contract with Allied Wings, awarded in 2005 and expiring in 2027, for the Contracted Flying Training and Support program, which operates out of Southport Aerospace Centre near Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.
• Both the LVM project and the FAcT program were overseen by an Independent Fairness Monitor to ensure the fairness and integrity of the procurements. As a result, all respective proposals were fairly and equally evaluated using a weighted evaluation framework based on cost, technical requirements, and economic benefits. 
• To support Indigenous participation in the delivery of these procurements, contractors were asked to submit an Indigenous Participation Plan (IPP). The FAcT program aims to commit a minimum of 5% of the contract value (excluding the cost of aircraft and simulators), and the LVM project aims to commit up to 5% of the contract value to support the employment of Indigenous Peoples and the procurement of goods and services from Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs. The LVM IPP will also implement training and skill development programs, in collaboration with Indigenous partners and stakeholders. PSPC and industry continues to engage with the Métis and First Nations of Manitoba and Saskatchewan on the FAcT program.

• Two contracts were awarded for the LVM project. The first contract is for the purchase of the new vehicles, related equipment, and initial in-service support, and the second contract will provide long-term in-service support for the fleet for a period of up to 25 years.
• The LVM project is expected to create and maintain jobs across Canada. The joint venture is made up of General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada and Marshall Canada as equal partners, with sub-contractors including Mercedes Benz, Soframe, and Manac. The local (Canadian) companies are GDLS-Canada of London, Ontario, Marshall Canada of Moncton, New Brunswick , K-Line Trailers of Langley, British Columbia, and Manac of Saint-Georges, Quebec.
• Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy applies to both of these procurements, and requires the companies to make investments and provide business activities in Canada equal to the value of the contract.

This press release was prepared and distributed by the DND.

[Malcolm]

Kelowna aerospace company lands part of landmark contract for aircrew training

By Kathy Michaels  Global News

Posted May 29, 2024 2:10 pm

 

A Kelowna, B.C., aerospace company has been awarded a landmark contract from the government of Canada.

SkyAlyne, a partnership between Canadian aerospace companies Canadian Aviation Electronics and Kelowna-based KF Aerospace, was chosen to be the Future Aircrew Training Program contractor for the next 25 years.

The contract has a value of $11.2 billion and reimagines training for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), consolidating three aircrew training operations under SkyAlyne and Canada’s joint management.

“The vision for FAcT represents a unified effort from Canada’s finest minds and organizations. We’re geared up to bring this vision to life with our truly Canadian expertise, working closely with Canada and the RCAF to usher in a new era of aircrew training,” said Tracy Medve, chair of the SkyAlyne board and president and CEO of KF Aerospace.

 

1:48This is BC: Kelowna company takes big role in aircraft restoration

“Our focus is beyond meeting today’s standards but shaping the future of aircrew readiness, creating new jobs and opportunities in communities across Canada.”

This program trains Canadian military pilots, air combat systems officers and airborne electronic sensor operators.

Under the FAcT Program, SkyAlyne – in collaboration with the RCAF – will design, develop and deliver a comprehensive training and support system, including live flying, simulation, ground school training and a suite of in-service support functions.

Centrally managed from Ottawa, the FAcT Program will revamp and expand upon training services currently provided by KF Aerospace and CAE, with operations set to continue at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Southport and 17 Wing Winnipeg.

The program includes the establishment of a complete training enterprise at all three operating locations.

[Malcolm]

Flying to new heights: Canada Day in the capital to feature one of the RCAF's largest flypasts

Annie Bergeron-Oliver

CTV National News Parliamentary Bureau Reporter

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Published June 26, 2024 4:04 p.m. MDT

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Tourists and Ottawa residents will get a special airshow on Canada Day as the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) marks its 100th birthday.

The Canada Day centennial flypast is being described as a "parade in the sky." The roughly 20-minute show highlights aircraft throughout the Air Force's history, including the CT-156 Harvard II, the CC-177 Globemaster and CC-330 Husky. Smaller aircraft include the CT-114 Tutor, which is flown by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, as well as CF-18 Hornets.

The director of capital celebrations at Canadian Heritage, Melanie Brault, says this flypast is a huge part of the noon-hour Canada Day celebrations.

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"It's so important because what we are doing is paying tribute to this amazing, our amazing, Canadian history, these airplanes that have been flying and protecting Canada for so long," she said. "To really be honoured with the presence on Canada Day is something I think Canadians are going to be happy to be a part of."

A CH-149 Cormorant helicopter seen ahead of the Royal Canadian Air Force's Canada Day flypast. (Annie Bergeron-Oliver / CTV News)

On Wednesday, less than one week before the show, media were invited to watch as Air Force members practised for the big day(opens in a new tab).

The event is a tribute to 100 years of the RCAF(opens in a new tab). While the Air Force has roots dating back to the early 1900s, Canadians served and fought with the British until the Royal Canadian Air Force was created in 1924.

Capt. Drew Turton is the aircraft captain aboard the CH-148 Cyclone helicopter that will also take part in the flypast. Normally he and his team are out at sea, hunting and killing submarines, not flying over Parliament alongside other aircraft.

"We are planning on flying with the door open and our crew waiving to everyone down below," Turton said. "Up front, we will be busy flying the aircraft and meeting our timings because everything is pretty strict with that many aircraft moving through, but it is pretty exciting."

A vintage biplane seen ahead of the Royal Canadian Air Force's Canada Day flypast. (Annie Bergeron-Oliver / CTV News)

The Air Force says this July 1 flypast will be its biggest in at least 20 years and potentially it's biggest ever. More than 45 aircraft are expected to take part in the show, including one from every fleet. Turton says that fact alone makes flying in the parade more challenging but also more exciting.

"It is certainly a big endeavour, there are a lot of aircraft involved in this," Turton said. "I have never seen as many aircraft organized in one big long line going past one spot in my life. That took a lot of coordination and a lot of organization."

The flypast will take place over the National Capital Region at around 12:45 p.m. ET on July 1. The aircraft are expected to fly from Ottawa's east end near Petrie Island before heading west over Parliament and LeBreton Flats, where the main celebrations will take place again this year because of construction in and around Centre Block.

Capt. Luke Larson flies aboard the CH-149 Cormorant, one of the RCAF's primary search and rescue helicopters. He says while the day is a little different from what the crew normally does, operating a helicopter is fairly similar no matter the assignment.

"It will look a little bit normal," he said when asked what he will see on Canada Day. "We are going to be focused on our timings and route of flight and everything like that to make sure we arrive on target, on time."

A Fleet Finch seen ahead of the Royal Canadian Air Force's Canada Day flypast. (Annie Bergeron-Oliver / CTV News)

While he won't be spending too much time looking down at the crowds, Larson says he is confident the flypast will still look "pretty cool" from the point of view of spectators on the ground.

"I think a lot of Canadians don't realize how many aircraft we have in the RCAF and all the different roles that they do," he said. "To see them all operating at the same time should be pretty neat to see where we have come in 100 years."

This year, Canadian Heritage and the RCAF have decided to mount a camera inside a Griffon helicopter so Canadians across the country can see the celebrations from roughly 2,000 feet.

"We know that we have usually around 360,000 people that come to the National Capital Region to celebrate Canada Day," Brault said.

"So to see that visual from the sky, to see the Parliament building, our iconic Peace Tower, and then to come over to LeBreton Flats where everyone is celebrating, I think, is going to be a truly special moment." 

RELATED IMAGES

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[Innuendo]

 

 

 

Quote

The Air Force says this July 1 flypast will be its biggest in at least 20 years and potentially it's biggest ever. More than 45 aircraft are expected to take part in the show, including one from every fleet. 

I'd love to see it, the variety of types must require some pretty clever timing.

 In terms of biggest ever numbers though, it has a way to go to equal the 72 aircraft formation that went over the Parliament Buildings in September 1960.

It was made up of CF-100s and F-86s in one big gaggle with three lines of four plane sections in line astern.

Actually the full 72 only did the practice flypast as the weather on the actual day, (low ceiling), reduced the  number by two thirds.  

 

Edited Thursday at 01:56 AM by Innuendo
typo