The aircraft, designated the CT-153 Juno for service in the RCAF, will support training the next generation of RCAF pilots, providing a modern, twin-engine training platform equipped with Airbus’ Helionix avionics suite. The H135 was selected by SkyAlyne, the prime contractor responsible for delivering the FAcT program, to meet the evolving training requirements of future RCAF rotary-wing pilots.
Dwayne Charette, President of Airbus Helicopters in Canada, said “This first delivery is an important step forward for the Future Aircrew Training program and the next generation of Royal Canadian Air Force pilots, and it highlights the depth of capability being delivered here in Canada. It underscores our long-term commitment to supporting Canadian defence with trusted, in-country expertise and strengthens the foundation for the missions and partnerships ahead. We are proud to partner with the RCAF and the Government of Canada in delivering the CT-153 Juno and supporting the critical role it will play for years to come.”
The H135 is part of a family with over 1,600 aircraft delivered to 325+ operators globally. There are more than 200 H135 family helicopters delivered or on order for military training missions, having clocked more than 650,000 flight hours. The CT-153 Juno will support the development of core pilot skills including basic ab-initio, advanced IFR, and tactical training. The Airbus Helionix avionics suite additionally supports a seamless transition to larger, more complex aircraft.
With this delivery, the RCAF will join 12 other militaries around the world who are using the H135 to train their future air crews, including several of Canada’s close allies. Canada’s Juno fleet will be based at 15 Wing Southport with the 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School.
The FAcT program represents a long-term investment by the Government of Canada to modernise pilot training across the RCAF. Airbus Helicopters will continue to support the program through the delivery of reliable, mission-proven platforms aligned with Canada’s operational requirements. The aircraft are completed and delivered from Airbus Helicopters’ industrial facility located in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada. They are customised with a number of Canadian developed Supplemental Type Certificates, including modifications to the avionics suite and communications systems, as well as custom development in the cockpit. Deliveries for the remaining aircraft for the FAcT program will continue through 2028.
SkyAlyne celebrates delivery of first CT-153 Juno helicopter for FAcT program
SkyAlyne - Ottawa, ON and Southport, MB — SkyAlyne is proud to join Airbus Helicopters, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), and the Government of Canada in celebrating delivery completion for the first CT-153 Juno (Airbus H135) helicopter for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. Following an appearance at the CANSEC Defence Tradeshow in Ottawa, aircraft 153201 was ferried to Southport, Manitoba where it underwent the final acceptance by the Government of Canada, and ownership of the aircraft was officially transferred to the RCAF.
The CT-153 Juno fleet will serve as the Advanced Flying Training – Rotary Wing platform within FAcT, supporting development of core pilot competencies including basic rotary-wing instruction, advanced instrument flight rules (IFR) training, and tactical mission preparation.
Kevin Lemke, SkyAlyne’s General Manager, said “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. 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 platform was selected by SkyAlyne for the FAcT program to meet the evolving operational and training requirements of future RCAF rotary-wing aircrew. Equipped with twin engines and the Airbus’ Helionix avionics suite, the aircraft is capable of meeting all aspects of the pilot Qualification Standard, replacing the two separate helicopter fleets used on the current training program. The modern digital cockpit environment will support a seamless transition to the RCAF’s operational fleets. In total, SkyAlyne is acquiring 19 of these aircraft for the RCAF as part of the FAcT program.
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.
FAcT is an all-encompassing 25-year solution that will deliver ab-initio training to RCAF Pilots, Air Combat Systems Officers (ACSOs), and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators (AES Ops). SkyAlyne, a joint venture of CAE and KF Aerospace, is the Prime Contractor and industry partner to the RCAF on FAcT. The program is currently in a multi-year transition period to become the sole ab initio Pilot and Aircrew training program for the RCAF, as the current three separate RCAF training programs conclude, and their responsibilities are combined into FAcT.
