First Training Helicopter Delivered for Canadian Aircrew Program

SkyAlyne, Airbus Helicopters, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), and the Government of Canada have completed delivery of the first CT-153 Juno (Airbus H135) helicopter for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. After appearing at the CANSEC Defence Tradeshow in Ottawa, aircraft 153201 was ferried to Southport, Manitoba for final government acceptance, with ownership officially transferred to the RCAF.

The CT-153 Juno will serve as the Advanced Flying Training – Rotary Wing platform within FAcT, covering basic rotary-wing instruction, advanced instrument flight rules (IFR) training, and tactical mission preparation.

"This first helicopter delivery marks an important milestone for the Future Aircrew Training program and reflects the strong collaboration between SkyAlyne, Airbus, the Royal Canadian Air Force, and our industry partners," said Kevin Lemke, SkyAlyne's General Manager. "The CT-153 Juno will provide future RCAF pilots with a modern, mission-ready training platform designed to support the operational demands of tomorrow's air force."

The H135 is equipped with twin engines and the Airbus Helionix avionics suite, and is capable of meeting all aspects of the pilot Qualification Standard. It replaces two separate helicopter fleets used in the current training programme and supports transition to the RCAF's operational fleets through a digital cockpit environment. SkyAlyne is acquiring 19 aircraft in total for the RCAF under FAcT.

Following initial manufacturing in Germany, Canada’s Juno’s are completed and delivered from Airbus Helicopters in Canada facility in Fort Erie, Ontario, where work includes installation of Canadian-developed Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) elements, modifications to avionics and communications systems, and custom cockpit development tailored to RCAF operational requirements, and painting of the RCAF ‘Reflect Forward’ livery.