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Following is the list of who the RCAF transports, 

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The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) maintains specialised aircraft to transport Canada's monarch, governor general, members of the Royal Family, prime minister, senior members of the Government of Canada, and other dignitaries.[1][2] A small fleet of dedicated executive government transport aircraft are organised into two RCAF squadrons. Other RCAF combat and transport helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, chartered civilian aircraft, and occasionally scheduled commercial flights may also be used to meet Canada's VIP air transport requirements.

It seems to me that the uplift should be reserved for our monarch, the GG, members of the Royal Family and the PM. All others could easily travel on commercial aircraft at a large savings to our coffers.  

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31 minutes ago, Marshall said:

Following is the list of who the RCAF transports, 

It seems to me that the uplift should be reserved for our monarch, the GG, members of the Royal Family and the PM. All others could easily travel on commercial aircraft at a large savings to our coffers.  

Are you kidding, the royal family?? That group of lazy flunkies can afford to charter netjets, How about the people that actually work for a living for us?

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21 hours ago, Tiburon said:

Are you kidding, the royal family?? That group of lazy flunkies can afford to charter netjets, How about the people that actually work for a living for us?

I don't rate most of those we elect  in that group so if we eliminate the Royal Family and then who is left?  Maybe best to sell the aircraft and not buy any more? 

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How third world is this, that the government can’t decide to replace tired worn out 30 year old aircraft??...and yet we call ourselves an aerospace leader and relevant on the world stage.

Wasnt it that long ago where the Air Force was sent on a mission and we had to borrow F18 parts from Spain?

 

 

 

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11 hours ago, st27 said:

How third world is this, that the government can’t decide to replace tired worn out 30 year old aircraft??...and yet we call ourselves an aerospace leader and relevant on the world stage.

Wasnt it that long ago where the Air Force was sent on a mission and we had to borrow F18 parts from Spain?

 

 

 

 We are def. not (LATELEY) CONSIDERED TO BE relevant on the world stage.  As far as being an Aerospace Leader, that is not dependent on us buying new toys for our own use, it is however dependent on us producing aircraft and powerplants that the rest of the world admires and purchases. 

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On 11/10/2019 at 7:49 PM, Marshall said:

 We are def. not (LATELEY) CONSIDERED TO BE relevant on the world stage.  As far as being an Aerospace Leader, that is not dependent on us buying new toys for our own use, it is however dependent on us producing aircraft and powerplants that the rest of the world admires and purchases. 

Which they do and their governments use them to move their leaders.

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  • 1 month later...

Contractors to help Air Force manage shortage of experienced pilots, technicians

Lee BerthiaumeThe Associated PressPublished Friday, December 20, 2019 4:24AM EST
 
Facing a serious pilot shortage, the Royal Canadian Air Force is looking at revamping its number of pilots. Annie Bergeron-Oliver reports.
 

OTTAWA -- The Royal Canadian Air Force is turning to contractors to address a shortage of experienced military pilots that has forced commanders to walk a delicate line between keeping enough seasoned aviators available to train new recruits and lead missions in the air.

In an interview with The Canadian Press, Air Force commander Lt.-Gen. Al Meinzinger revealed the military plans to hire contractors to fill some pilot-instructor positions so its active-duty aviators can continue to fly real missions in Canada and around the world.

"It'll be a small number in the order of nine to 10 for phase one," Meinzinger said. "And what that means is I won't have to post in that number of equivalent experienced pilots to teach at the school houses. Meaning they can stay out at the line units."'

The hope is that most of those hired will be retired military pilots.

The measure follows a similar initiative to address a shortage of aircraft technicians, which has seen 49 contractors -- many of them retired CF-18 techs -- hired at Canada's fighter-jet bases in Bagotville, Que., and Cold Lake, Alta., to mentor and train younger personnel still in uniform.

The program is expected to cost $6.7 million this fiscal year.

The shortage of military pilots and technicians was first revealed in an explosive auditor general's report earlier this year in which the watchdog took aim at the Liberal government's plan to buy second-hand Australian jets. He warned that the air force needed more personnel -- not planes.

Efforts have since been made to better retain experienced personnel, in particular, by better supporting military families, tapping reservists to help with basic maintenance work and adjusting some positions to keep pilots in the air rather than flying desks.

The military is also working on a contract for a new training program that will let the air force increase the number of new pilots trained in a given year when necessary. The current program allows only a fixed number to be produced.

While progress has been made, officials say the air force is still short about 225 pilots. Any shortfall will become especially acute when Canada starts to receive new fighter jets, as the air force will be required to train pilots on the new aircraft while still guarding against any attack.

While the current shortfall has coincided with significant growth in the global commercial airline sector, Meinzinger is hoping experienced air force members will opt to keep working with the military as a contractor rather than leaving for a job somewhere else.

"If we can, as opposed to seeing someone leave a regular-force position and move into the civilian industry, we would rather them stay with us part time," he said. "So one of the things we've done is make that as agile a transition as possible."

The contractors are intended to be a short-term fix while the military works to attract and retain more personnel to meet its needs over the long term, Meinzinger added.

"I see these as temporary enablers. If we look at the long run and as we do more of the (recruitment and retention) work, ideally we get to a healthier point where we don't have to be as reliant on this particular provisioning as we are today."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Dec. 20, 2019.

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  • 5 months later...

Canadian CF-18 upgrade package OK’d by US

By: Aaron Mehta   3 hours ago
 
Check out the CF-188 from the Royal Canadian Air Force as it shows off its capabilities at RIAT 2018.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department has cleared Canada to purchase a package of upgrades for its fleet of CF-18 Super Hornets, including upgraded radars and weapons, intended to serve as a bridge between the legacy fleet and Canada’s future fighter.

The package, which comes with an estimated price tag of $862.3 million, would fulfill the requirements for Canada’s “Hornet Extension Project Phase 2,” which was announced last year. The program seeks to upgrade the “sensors, weapons, survivability, security and mission support to maintain parity with evolving threats” for 36 of Canada’s Super Hornets, with initial delivery in 2023, according to a statement on the Canadian military’s website.

Canada has 80 CF-18s in inventory and is in the midst of a long attempt to replace the aging fighters with 88 newer designs — one of which has been marred with restarts and political challenges. The Phase 2 extension is designed to help bridge the capability gap until new jets come online.

Among the upgrades included in this potential package: 50 Sidewinder AIM-9X Block II tactical missiles; 38 APG-79(V)4 active electronically scanned array radars; 38 APG-79(V)4 AESA radar A1 kits; 46 F/A-18A wide-band RADOMEs; upgrades to the Advanced Distributed Combat Training System; and technical assistance to support the upgraded jets.

“This sale will provide Canada a 2-squadron bridge of enhanced F/A-18A aircraft to continue meeting NORAD and NATO commitments while it gradually introduces new advanced aircraft via the Future Fighter Capability Program between 2025 and 2035,” said a statement from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, using an acronym for the U.S.-Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command.

“The proposed sale of the capabilities, as listed, will improve Canada’s capability to meet current and future warfare threats and provide greater security for its critical infrastructure,” it added.

Work would be performed by Raytheon in its El Segundo, California, location; General Dynamics Mission Systems in Marion, Virginia; Boeing’s St. Louis, Missouri, facility; and Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Any industrial offset agreements will be sorted out in the future.

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1 hour ago, Marshall said:

Canadian CF-18 upgrade package OK’d by US

By: Aaron Mehta   3 hours ago
 
Check out the CF-188 from the Royal Canadian Air Force as it shows off its capabilities at RIAT 2018.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department has cleared Canada to purchase a package of upgrades for its fleet of CF-18 Super Hornets, including upgraded radars and weapons, intended to serve as a bridge between the legacy fleet and Canada’s future fighter.....

Someone should inform this “reporter” that there’s no such thing as a CF-18 Super Hornet. ? 

Edited by Rich Pulman
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1 hour ago, Rich Pulman said:

Someone should inform this “reporter” that there’s no such thing as a CF-18 Super Hornet. ? 

quite right, according to Boeing it is:

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THE COMPLETE SOLUTION FOR CANADA

Serving as the U.S. Navy’s dominant force in the skies, the F/A-18 Super Hornet is purpose-built to provide the Royal Canadian Air Force with the capabilities needed to meet its most challenging mission needs. The next-generation Block III Super Hornet design integrates the latest displays, processing and data link technology to provide an open architecture mission system with advanced networking infrastructure both on and off board that can continue to evolve at a pace that far exceeds current competitor upgrade plans.

With the most weapons at range and the most affordable life cycle costs in the competition, as well as Boeing’s commitment to providing guaranteed work for Canadian companies, the Block III Super Hornet provides Canada with the complete solution: a low-risk, evolutionary aircraft that puts capability in the hands of the RCAF today.

 

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56 minutes ago, Rich Pulman said:

FWIW, "Super Hornets" are F-18 E & F models. Canada has the old A & B models. They are substantially different airplanes.

AS I said, "Quote Right"?

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  • 1 month later...

Government of Canada receives proposals to replace its fighter jets


NEWS PROVIDED BY

Public Services and Procurement Canada 

Jul 31, 2020, 12:49 ET


GATINEAU, QC, July 31, 2020 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to providing members of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) with the aircraft they need to do their jobs, while ensuring the best possible value for Canadians.  

Today marked a significant milestone in the process to replace Canada's fighter aircraft fleet. In response to the formal Request for Proposals released last summer, the following eligible suppliers have submitted proposals:

  • Swedish Government—SAAB AB (publ)—Aeronautics with Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG, MBDA UK Ltd., and RAFAEL Advanced Defence Systems Ltd.
  • United States Government—Lockheed Martin Corporation (Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company) with Pratt & Whitney
  • United States Government—The Boeing Company with Peraton Canada Corp., CAE Inc., L3 Technologies MAS Inc., GE Canada and Raytheon Canada Limited Services and Support Division

The proposals will be rigorously evaluated on elements of capability (60%), cost (20%) and economic benefits (20%).

During the evaluation, a phased bid compliance process will be used to ensure that bidders have an opportunity to address non-compliance related to mandatory criteria in their proposals.

The initial evaluation of proposals is anticipated to be completed by spring 2021, at which point Canada may choose to enter into dialogue with two or more compliant bidders and request revised proposals.

Canada will finalize terms with the preferred bidder prior to the contract award, which is anticipated in 2022. Delivery of the first aircraft is expected as early as 2025.

Quotes

"I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication in reaching this important milestone in the fighter fleet procurement process. I am confident that we will deliver on the government's commitment to provide the Royal Canadian Air Force with the right fighter jet, at the right price, with the right social and economic benefits for Canadians."

The Honourable Anita Anand
Minister of Public Services and Procurement

"Through our fully costed and funded defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, our government committed to purchasing a full fleet of 88 aircraft to be able to meet our NORAD and NATO obligations simultaneously. Efficient and modern fighter jets are an integral part of any air force and we continue to work diligently to make sure that we provide the members of the Royal Canadian Air Force the tools they need to protect Canada, both at home and abroad."

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan 
Minister of National Defence

"This project represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to support the competitiveness and growth of Canada's aerospace and defence industries. Our government will evaluate each of these proposals based on their plans to invest in Canada's economy and to support high-value Canadian jobs."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Quick facts

  • As part of its defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the government is acquiring 88 advanced fighter jets. This is the most significant investment in the RCAF in more than 30 years and is essential for protecting the safety and security of Canadians and meeting international obligations.
  • Officials have conducted extensive engagement with Canadian aerospace and defence industries to ensure that they are well positioned to participate in the procurement.
  • Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, including Value Proposition applies to this procurement. This is expected to generate high-value jobs and economic growth for Canadian aerospace and defence businesses for decades to come. Bidders were required to demonstrate how they will fulfill the Government of Canada's economic benefits requirements. Those providing contractual guarantees will receive higher points in the evaluation of the Value Proposition.
  • An independent fairness monitor is overseeing the entire process, to ensure a level playing field for all potential bidders.
  • An independent third-party reviewer was also engaged to assess the quality and effectiveness of the procurement approach.

Associated links

Future Fighter Capability Project 
National Defence: Fighter jets 
Integrating Australian jets into the current Royal Canadian Air Force fighter fleet

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SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada

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For further information: Cecely Roy, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Anita Anand, 343-549-7293, cecely.roy@canada.ca; Media Relations, Public Services and Procurement Canada, 819-420-5501, media@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca

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Lockheed Martin promises $16.9B injection to Canadian economy with F-35s

 

Fighters up against Boeing's Super Hornet, Saab's Gripen in bid to replace aging warplanes

 
murray-brewster.jpg
Murray Brewster · CBC News · Posted: Aug 06, 2020 2:38 PM ET | Last Updated: 2 hours ago
 
f-35.jpg
Aerospace defence contractor Lockheed Martin is offering up the F-35 warplane to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force's aging fleet of CF-18 jet fighters. (Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press)
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One of the companies vying to build the air force's next generation of warplanes promises it can inject as much as $16.9 billion into the Canadian economy, even though its pitch to the Liberal government falls somewhat outside traditional boundaries.

Lockheed Martin Canada is offering the F-35, which has a controversial political history in this country, as a potential replacement for the military's nearly 40-year-old fleet of CF-18 jet fighters. 

 

Three bids in the often-delayed $19 billion competition were delivered Friday and the federal government expects to narrow the field to two by next spring, with the first fighters not scheduled for delivery until 2025. 

The other contenders are Boeing, which is offering the latest version of its Super Hornet, and Saab with the updated version of its Gripen jet. 

Under longstanding federal procurement policy, defence contractors are essentially expected to match the value of the contract and deliver an equal share of benefits to the Canadian economy.

The worldwide F-35 program is different in the sense that partnership in the program means Canadian companies are allowed to bid on fleetwide contracts and there is no dollar-for-dollar guarantee.

 
92942615.jpg
A Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet drops flares as it performs during an air show in October 2016 in Townsville, Australia. Boeing is offering its latest version of the Super Hornet as part of the three-way competition. (Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Lockheed's pitch

In a slick video presentation Thursday, Lockheed Martin put on display its Canadian partner companies that are already working on the program, supplying a diverse range of parts and systems with testimonials from employees about how proud they are to be working on the F-35.

Steve Callaghan, Lockheed Martin's vice-president of F-35 business development, said he is confident the company has delivered a solid pitch to the Canadian government despite the difference and the possible handicap it faces.

"We're delighted to be part of this competition," he said during a remote media availability on Thursday. "We understand the rules. We understand the way the competition is structured and the requirements."

The company conducted an analysis on the impact of its program in Canada and estimates over the lifetime of the F-35, it will pour $16.9 billion into the gross domestic product and that there is the potential for more as sustainment contracts for the warplane eventually come on stream.

Lorraine Ben, the chief executive officer of Lockheed Martin Canada, said the fighter jet program is important to the country's economic recovery from the pandemic because it delivers high-skilled, high-paying jobs.

Should Canada not choose the F-35, Callaghan said, the existing contracts, which are currently worth $2 billion, would be honoured for the duration of their commitment but might go elsewhere.

"Future contracting would likely be placed using industries and best value for those nations that are procuring the F-35," he said. "Canadian industry is truly embedded in the global supply chain today and brings great value to the program and of course great value to Canada and Canadian industry. We really do look forward to Canadian industry continuing their contribution." 

 
india-aero-show.jpg
Gripen, a Swedish fighter aircraft, performs on the second day of Aero India 2017 at Yelahanka air base in Bangalore, India, in February 2017. Saab offered the latest version of the fighter as part of its pitch to sell Canada a new fleet of fighter jets. (The Associated Press)

Controversial history 

It has been a decade since the former Conservative government set off a political firestorm when it signalled it intended to sole-source the purchase of 65 F-35s. 

After searing reports from both the auditor general and the Parliamentary Budget Office, which questioned the cost and how much homework the federal government had done in terms of competition, the plan was shelved.

The Liberals, prior to being elected in 2015, promised not to buy the F-35 and instead purchase a cheaper aircraft and plow the savings into the navy.

The Trudeau government eventually relented and allowed Lockheed Martin into the competition, and even bowed to pressure from the Trump administration to make sure the playing field was level in terms of evaluation of the economic benefits.

Callaghan steered clear of the politics on Thursday.

"We're really focused on this competition and providing the information Canada needs to make its decision," he said. 

Critics have often complained that the F-35 — a stealth fighter with advanced sensing technology — will be too expensive to maintain over the long term.

At the moment, it costs $25,000 per hour to fly, according to figures released Thursday by the company.

Callaghan says the plan, using a variety of methods including artificial intelligence and robotics, is to cut that figure in half in the coming few years. 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Finland GNP 

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Finland GDP per capita The Gross Domestic Product per capita in Finland was last recorded at 48579.90 US dollars in 2018. The GDP per Capita in Finland is equivalent to 385 percent of the world's average. Sep. 5 2019

Canada GNP 

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GDP per capita 51588.80 USD

And then let's think about military aircraft replacement plans for Finland

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Finland’s $12 billion fighter plan dodges the post-pandemic budget ax

By: Gerard O'Dwyer   22 hours ago
 
ZX2QB2ELEFD3LALT3HQ5JQQX2U.jpg 

A Finnish F-18 Hornet departs from Jokkmokk Air Base during a joint exercise between the air forces of Finland and Sweden over the Arctic Circle towns of Jokkmokk in Sweden and Rovaniemi in Finland on March 25, 2019. (Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images)

 

HELSINKI — The Finnish government’s budget proposal for 2021 has allayed concerns of delays or reduced funding for the Armed Forces’ (FAF) HX Fighter Program. The plan will effectively increase the military’s budgetary framework in 2021 by $2 billion to $5.8 billion to meet phase one of the project’s procurement costs.

The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced Finland to significantly increase international borrowings and further load national debt, was feared to have a negative bearing of the fighter replacement project, particularly against the backdrop of a potential economic recession and grim forecasts of an 8 to 10 percent drop in GDP in 2020.

Instead, the 2021 budget both protects and moves forward the $12 billion national security capital investment.

The HX Fighter Program will have a “substantial effect” on the FAF’s budgetary position and finances from 2021, said the HX Program’s Director, Lauri Puranen.

The $5.8 billion allocation represents a massive 54 percent increase on the FAF’s defense budget for 2021 compared to 2020. Moreover, the higher financial provision will elevate military non-aligned Finland’s defense spend, as a ratio of GDP, from 1.4 percent in 2020 to over 2 percent in next year.

Finland plans to procure up to 64 fighters to replace its ageing fleet of F/A-18C/D Hornets. The government is slated to finalize its decision on the choice of fighter aircraft in 2021.

The project timetable, with oversight from the FDF’s Logistics Command, envisages the Finnish Air Force taking delivery of new fighters over the period 2025 to 2030.

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International fighter aircraft in contention for the $12 billion contract include the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, the Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, Lockheed Martin F-35 and the Saab Gripen.

Phase two of the HX project is currently underway. This is focused on the content of the procurement in respect to each individual bidder. A request for best and final offers will be sought at the end of the second phase of negotiations in the fourth quarter of 2020, and ahead of a government decision on selection in the first half of 2021.

Although the 2021 budget has secured project-specific funding for the HX Fighter Program, the overall fragile state of Finland’s national finances threatens to curtail capital increases to other areas of defense, including training and multi-branch field exercises, in that year.

 

Gen. Timo Kivinen, the FAF’s defense chief, said that while the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the postponement of exercises, it has not affected Finland’s military readiness.

 

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I wonder if it's because Finland is better managed financially than Canada?  Also, I do know they are more concerned with Russian aggression than we are.  For what it's worth regarding Russia, I'm less concerned about them, than I am with the US (Biden/Harris or Trump), they have a more impact on us than any country.  Which, as an independant country... shouldn't be the case.

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3 hours ago, 330Heavy said:

I wonder if it's because Finland is better managed financially than Canada?  Also, I do know they are more concerned with Russian aggression than we are.  For what it's worth regarding Russia, I'm less concerned about them, than I am with the US (Biden/Harris or Trump), they have a more impact on us than any country.  Which, as an independant country... shouldn't be the case.

Of course is  if the US wanted to take us over, they could / would.  Our armed forces would be overwhelmed in a heartbeat (not that they would not  try) but def. a one sided event.

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SkyAlyne announces pan-Canadian team of experts for FAcT program

August 19, 2020Ottawa, ON— SkyAlyne, a partnership between Canadian aviation and defence companies CAE and KF Aerospace, has officially unveiled its expanded team of strategic subcontractors to pursue the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.  SkyAlyne is a qualified supplier for the FAcT program.

Canadian-based companies ATCO Frontec, Bluedrop Training and Simulation, Canadian Base Operators, Canadian Helicopters, and SERCO Canada will add considerable expertise, experience and Canadian content to SkyAlyne’s bid. PAL Aerospace is a notable new addition to the SkyAlyne team, bringing unparalleled Canadian experience in airborne surveillance and intelligence operations, sensor operator training, mission systems development and aircraft modification capabilities.

The SkyAlyne team collectively employs more than 14,000 Canadians and operates in every region of Canada – from coast to coast to coast.

“We are pleased to officially announce our pan-Canadian team of experienced partners,” says SkyAlyne Board Chair Tracy Medve. “Our goal is to work with the Royal Canadian Air Force to continue providing a world-class aircrew training program built by Canadians for Canadians. These partnerships will strengthen SkyAlyne’s position and help us move towards our objective to retain this crucial military capability in Canada.”

As the only Canadian-founded and Canadian-based qualified supplier competing for the FAcT program, SkyAlyne has unique experience and expertise in military pilot and aircrew training specifically for the RCAF. SkyAlyne’s parent companies – CAE and KF Aerospace – currently deliver all phases of pilot training for the Royal Canadian Air Force through the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) program based in Moose Jaw, SK/Cold Lake, AB, and the Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) program based in Southport, MB, respectively.

The subcontractors announced as part of the SkyAlyne team have extensive experience working with the RCAF. Most also currently support the existing training programs managed by CAE and KF Aerospace.

“This agreement further ensures that the FAcT program benefits from the very latest Canadian expertise and innovation in aircrew training,” says SkyAlyne President France Hébert. “If selected, SkyAlyne will train the next generation of Royal Canadian Air Force airwomen and airmen while helping grow Canadian small- and medium-sized businesses as well as local and Indigenous communities. The selection of the SkyAlyne team would be a win-win for the Royal Canadian Air Force and for the Canadian aerospace industry.”

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  • 4 weeks later...

RCAF’s first C-295 search and rescue aircraft arrives in Canada

From Journal Pioneer/Ottawa Citizen – link to story

David Pugliese, Ottawa Citizen, Postmedia News – 17 September 2020

A C-295 aircraft built for the RCAF. (Airbus photo)

A C-295 aircraft built for the RCAF. (Airbus photo)

briggs-screen-shot-2020-09-16-at-10-2020

The first of the new fixed wing search and rescue aircraft that will be used by the RCAF for operations has arrived in Canada. The aircraft landed in Newfoundland and is now making its way to Canadian Forces Base Comox, BC.

“With the arrival of this aircraft in Canada, several key activities at CFB Comox will begin to support the transition of the Canadian fixed-wing search and rescue responsibility to the CC-295,” the RCAF noted in a statement to this newspaper. “This includes the start of aircrew training, operational testing, and the opening of the new training facility in Comox, B.C.”

Each aircraft must complete initial operational capability preparations and testing to be ready for service. That also includes training so crews can operate and maintain the new planes. The aircraft won’t be used for search and rescue operations until sometime in 2022, according to the RCAF.

Briggs Aero sent out a photo on Twitter of the new aircraft arriving in Newfoundland on Wednesday.

Airbus expects all of the 16 aircraft ordered by Canada to be delivered by the fall of 2022.

A C-295 aircraft, destined for the RCAF as a trainer for maintenance crews, arrived at CFB Comox in February.

Although almost identical to a C-295, that aircraft does not have nor need the full mission equipment capability to conduct search and rescue missions, Esprit de Corps military magazine has reported. It is not one of the 16 C-295 aircraft being procured under the fixed wing search and rescue project. Instead, it is considered an additional asset that is part of the training solution. “It will be used to train maintenance technicians on rigging, removal and reinstallation procedures,” explained National Defence spokesman Dan Le Bouthillier. “Therefore, not all components need to be operationally functional and can instead be less expensive replicas.”

It will be registered as a training asset, not an aircraft.

Copyright Postmedia Network Inc., 2020

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 The aircraft won’t be used for search and rescue operations until sometime in 2022, according to the RCAF.

Seems like a long time to get a qualified crew plus maintenance and SAR techs up to speed.

Now......if we could only stop dreaming of fighter aircraft...?

Have a nice weekend and be safe....

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