In a significant development for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), the joint venture SkyAlyne, formed by CAE and KF Aerospace, has announced a contract with Grob and Pilatus to supply a total of 32 training aircraft. The deal encompasses the acquisition of 23 G 120TP aircraft from Grob and 19 PC-21 systems from Pilatus, with deliveries set to commence in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
These aircraft will be stationed at the Moose Jaw RCAF Base in Saskatchewan, where they will be operated by SkyAlyne as part of Canada’s comprehensive 25-year Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. This initiative aims to enhance the RCAF’s tactical aerial capabilities to address the evolving landscape of global threats. The FAcT program, which has a budget of 11.2 billion Canadian dollars (approximately $8 billion), is designed to meet the training needs of various military personnel, including pilots, air combat systems officers, airborne electronic sensor operators, and ground-based aircrews.
SkyAlyne secured the management of the FAcT program in July 2023, with responsibilities ranging from live flight simulations to classroom sessions and the enhancement of training facilities and equipment. Alongside the newly ordered aircraft from Grob and Pilatus, SkyAlyne will incorporate additional training assets, including Airbus H-135 helicopters, Beechcraft King Air 260 utility planes, and De Havilland Dash 8-400 airliners, into its training framework.
The Canadian Department of Defence has stated that the Future Aircrew Training program will be facilitated across Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Winnipeg, generating over 3,000 employment opportunities throughout its duration.
The G 120TP, produced by Grob, features an 8-meter fuselage (26 feet) and a wingspan of 10 meters (33 feet). This aircraft is powered by a Rolls-Royce M250 engine, delivering 456 horsepower, allowing it to achieve speeds of up to 454 kilometers per hour (282 miles per hour) with a range of 1,070 kilometers (665 miles) and a service ceiling of 7,600 meters (24,934 feet).
On the other hand, the Pilatus PC-21 has an 11-meter (36 feet) length and a 9-meter (30 feet) wingspan. This advanced trainer is equipped with a powerful 1,600-horsepower Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 engine, capable of reaching top speeds of 685 kilometers per hour (426 miles per hour) and a range of 1,333 kilometers (828 miles). Its operational ceiling extends to 11,580 meters (37,992 feet).
As Canada moves forward with its military modernization plans, the partnership between SkyAlyne, Grob, and Pilatus marks a vital step in enhancing the training capabilities of the RCAF, ensuring that its personnel are well-prepared to face contemporary and future challenges in the defense arena.
