Airbus on Wednesday delivered the first H135 helicopter for Canada's Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) programme, marking a key milestone in the modernisation of pilot training for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

The aircraft, designated the CT-153 Juno in RCAF service, will be used to train the next generation of Canadian military helicopter pilots under a long-term programme aimed at overhauling the country's aircrew training system.

The H135 was selected by SkyAlyne, the prime contractor overseeing the FAcT programme, to provide a modern twin-engine training platform equipped with Airbus's Helionix avionics suite.

"It is our collective mission to make sure the RCAF has an unfair advantage in the skies," said Kevin Lemke.

"By working together collaboratively, we — industry, military, and government — can deliver better work, faster, to make sure the RCAF has the best trained aircrew in the world," he said, adding that the first aircraft had been delivered within 18 months.

Dwayne Charette said the delivery highlighted Airbus' long-term commitment to supporting Canada's defence capabilities through local expertise and industrial investment.

"This first delivery is an important step forward for the Future Aircrew Training programme and the next generation of Royal Canadian Air Force pilots," Charette said in a statement.

The CT-153 Juno will be used for a range of training activities, including basic flight instruction, advanced instrument flight rules (IFR) training and tactical exercises. Airbus said the Helionix avionics system would help pilots transition more easily to larger and more complex aircraft later in their careers.

Canada will become the 13th military operator worldwide to use the H135 platform for aircrew training, joining several allied countries already employing the helicopter for military instruction.

The Canadian fleet will be based at 15 Wing Southport and operated by the 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School.

The FAcT programme is part of a long-term investment by the Canadian government to modernise pilot training across the RCAF as it seeks to prepare personnel for increasingly sophisticated operational environments.

Airbus said the helicopters are assembled and delivered from its facility in Fort Erie and include several Canadian-developed modifications, including enhancements to avionics, communications systems, and cockpit configurations.

The company added that deliveries of the remaining aircraft under the programme will continue through 2028.

Source: PR