Airbus has delivered the first H135 helicopter destined for the Canadian 'Future Aircrew Training' (FAcT) program, a "key milestone" in the modernization of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilot training system, as stated by the company in a statement released this Wednesday.
The aircraft, which in service with the RCAF will carry the designation "CT-153 Juno," will be used to prepare new generations of air force pilots, offering a twin-engine training platform equipped with Airbus's Helionix avionics suite.
SkyAlyne, the prime contractor responsible for developing and managing the FAcT program, chose the H135 to meet the constantly changing training needs of future RCAF helicopter pilots.
"Decisive" advantage for the RCAF
SkyAlyne CEO Kevin Lemke emphasized that their shared goal is to "ensure the RCAF has a decisive advantage in the skies."
"Working collaboratively together – industry, the Armed Forces, and Government – we can deliver better work, faster, to ensure the RCAF has the best trained aircrew in the world, and our selection of the 'CT-153 Juno' is a fundamental component of that effort," he stated, while thanking the teams involved in the FAcT initiative for their "joint work to deliver the first CT-153 to the RCAF in just 18 months."
For his part, the President of Airbus Helicopters in Canada, Dwayne Charette, highlighted that this first delivery represents a "significant step forward for the 'Future Aircrew Training' program and for the next generation of Royal Canadian Air Force pilots, and underscores the great capability being developed in Canada."
"This underscores our long-term commitment to supporting Canadian defense with trusted and local expertise, and strengthens the foundations for future missions and collaborations," he remarked, adding that they are "proud to collaborate with the RCAF and the Government of Canada in the delivery of the 'CT-153 Juno' and to support the critical role it will play in the coming years."
More than 650,000 accumulated flight hours
Airbus has specified that this model belongs to a family of helicopters of which more than 1,600 units have already been delivered to more than 325 operators worldwide. Within this range, more than 200 H135 aircraft have been supplied or are on order for military training missions, accumulating more than 650,000 flight hours.
According to the company, "the 'CT-153 Juno' will contribute to the development of fundamental pilot competencies, including initial basic training, advanced IFR navigation, and tactical training," and has emphasized that Airbus's Helionix avionics system also allows for a "smooth transition" to larger and more complex aircraft.
With the incorporation of this helicopter, the RCAF will become part of the group of 12 armed forces from different countries that already use the H135 to train their crews, including several close allies of Canada. The FAcT program constitutes a long-term strategic investment by the Canadian government to update pilot training throughout the RCAF.
Airbus Helicopters has reiterated that it "will continue to support the program by delivering reliable and mission-proven platforms, adapted to Canada's operational requirements." The helicopters are produced and delivered from Airbus Helicopters' industrial facilities in Fort Erie, Ontario (Canada).
The aircraft are configured with various supplementary type certificates developed in Canada, covering modifications to avionics, communications systems, and specific adjustments to the cockpit. The schedule foresees that deliveries of the remaining helicopters planned in the FAcT program will continue until 2028.