The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has recently reached a significant milestone by accepting its first aircraft under the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program. This multibillion-dollar initiative aims to modernize pilot instruction and support operations within the Air Force.
The initial influx of aircraft includes two CT-102B Astra II systems, which serve as the military trainer version of the Grob G 120TP aerobatic plane, manufactured in Germany. The aircraft recently arrived at Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport and will soon move to their permanent home at 15 Wing Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan.
Valued at approximately CAD 11.2 billion (USD 8 billion) over a span of 25 years, the FAcT Program is being managed by SkyAlyne, a joint venture based in Ontario comprising companies CAE and KF Aerospace. This extensive program introduces not only new aircraft but also state-of-the-art simulators and training facilities, fundamentally updating the training paradigms for RCAF pilots in preparation for contemporary operational requirements.
Ultimately, the fleet under this program will consist of 23 Astra IIs, plus additional models including Airbus H-135s, Beechcraft King Air 260s, Pilatus PC-21s, and De Havilland Dash 8-400s. The initial focus for the Astra IIs will be to train instructors and finalize lesson plans before commencing comprehensive pilot training sessions.
The introduction of the Astra II marks a pivotal change, replacing the older CT-102A Astra, which remains operational at the 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School located in Southport, Manitoba. The new model boasts enhanced power, speed, and altitude capabilities, equipping pilots for advanced aircraft systems, including the CF-35A fighter jet and CP-8A patrol aircraft.
As part of the FAcT restructuring, basic and advanced flight training will now be consolidated at the Moose Jaw location, while rotary-wing and multi-engine training will continue to operate at Southport.
The CT-102B Astra II sports a distinctive yellow-and-blue paint scheme; the yellow is a nod to the Commonwealth Air Training Plan from World War II, when the North American government trained over 130,000 allied aircrew, while the blue reflects the aesthetic of modern RCAF training aircraft. This vibrant coloring is not only a tribute to history but also enhances visibility in the sky, thus improving safety during all seasons.
In terms of specifications, each Astra II measures 8 meters (26 feet) in length and has a wingspan of 10 meters (33 feet). The aircraft is powered by a Rolls-Royce M250 engine generating 456 horsepower and features a five-blade propeller. Capable of reaching speeds up to 454 kilometers per hour (282 miles per hour), the Astra II has an operational range of 1,070 kilometers (665 miles) and can ascend to a maximum altitude of 7,600 meters (24,934 feet).
As the RCAF continues to modernize its training capabilities, the introduction of the Astra II aircraft is seen as a crucial step toward ensuring that Canadian pilots are well-prepared for the evolving landscape of military aviation.
