Industry Watch – RCAF To Get New Helicopters For Training

SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace are buying 19 advanced Airbus H135 helicopters for the Royal Canadian Air Force Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. (Photo courtesy SkyAlyne)

By David Pugliese

SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace announced Nov. 4 the signing of the purchase agreement with Airbus Helicopters in Canada to acquire 19 advanced Airbus H135 helicopters for the Royal Canadian Air Force Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.

The contract, executed by KF Aerospace on behalf of SkyAlyne for the FAcT program, secures production slots with aircraft deliveries beginning in mid-2026, according to the companies.

SkyAlyne says it will partner with Airbus Helicopters on the project. Based in Fort Erie, Ontario, Airbus Helicopters in Canada manufactures components for Airbus’ global supply chains locally. Additionally, the H135s being acquired by SkyAlyne for the RCAF will be completed in Canada at the Fort Erie facility.

The H135 is viewed by the companies as the ideal rotary wing training aircraft for the RCAF, with a well-earned reputation with global customers for performance, endurance, and cost-effective operations. The twin-engine helicopter with advanced avionics will be a cornerstone of the RCAF rotary-wing fleet for decades to come, according to SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace.

The H135 is currently in use by twelve other militaries, including in Australia and the United Kingdom.

The 25-year FAcT program, awarded to SkyAlyne in spring 2024, is currently in a five-year transition period to become the sole Pilot and Aircrew training program for the RCAF, as the three current separate RCAF training programs conclude, and their responsibilities are combined into FAcT.

The FAcT program is overseen from a Joint Management Office at SkyAlyne’s Ottawa headquarters, with three operational bases: Moose Jaw, SK, Southport, MB, and Winnipeg, MB.

When operational, Canada’s H135 fleet will be operated jointly with the RCAF and based at 15 Wing’s 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School, located at Southport Aerospace Centre, in Southport, MB.

Kevin Lemke, General Manager, SkyAlyne, said securing the Airbus H135 fleet for the RCAF is an important milestone for the FAcT program as it solidifies a core element of the program schedule. “The selection of the state-of-the-art H135 from Airbus Helicopters contributes meaningfully to the Canadian economy and SkyAlyne is proud to be building a world-leading Pilot and Aircrew training program for the RCAF while supporting Canadian jobs,” he added.

Tracy Medve, Board Chair, SkyAlyne; President, KF Aerospace, noted that from the outset, the firm recognized the pivotal role that selecting the right aircraft would play in ensuring the long-term success of the FAcT program. “With the Airbus H135, we’re confident in a choice that meets both the RCAF’s stringent training requirements for rotary-wing pilot training and our commitment to operational excellence,’’ she added.

SkyAlyne is a team of defence, training, simulation, and aviation industry experts assembled from across Canada, working to prepare the next generation of RCAF pilots and aircrew. It was formed in 2018 as a partnership between CAE and KF Aerospace. The partnership was built to jointly answer the call for the Canadian government’s FAcT program. In 2023 SkyAlyne was named the preferred bidder, and in 2024, was officially contracted to partner with the RCAF and deliver the FAcT program.

Canada has awarded a $1.85 billion contract to Lockheed Martin Canada for the renewal of combat system integration in-service support for the Halifax-class frigates. (DND photo)

The Canadian government has awarded a contract valued at up to $1.85 billion to Lockheed Martin Canada for the renewal of combat system integration in-service support (CSI ISS) for the Halifax-class frigates.

The renewal of this contract will ensure continued CSI service support until the end-of-life expectancy is reached for the Halifax-class frigates, coinciding with the gradual arrival of the new fleet of River-class destroyer ships.

The Halifax-class patrol frigates are the backbone of the Royal Canadian Navy’s operational capability.

The initial CSI ISS contract was awarded through a competitive procurement process to Lockheed Martin Canada in November 2008.  The initial CSI ISS contract ensured ongoing maintenance and updates to the combat management system (CMS) 330 until November 6, 2024.

The new CSI ISS contract provides ongoing maintenance, updates and other specialized supports for the CMS 330 onboard the RCN’s 12 Halifax-class frigates. The services also include support for associated shore-based engineering, training and testing. This service support will be from November 2024 to March 2034. The contract includes 13 additional one-year option periods, which could extend the contract up to March 2047.

The CMS 330 is the central component of the integrated combat system fitted on the Halifax-class ships. It’s a system designed to integrate and control the various sensors, weapons and information sources of the ships to optimize situational awareness and decision-making.

The in-service support activities are performed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Esquimalt, British Columbia, and at various locations in the National Capital Region.

Lockheed Martin recently announced it is partnering with RaceRocks, an Indigenous, women-owned training and software company based in Victoria, British Columbia. RaceRocks will create modernized training solutions.

This $1.6 million contract will support the development of adaptive learning capabilities over the next three years. The idea is to revolutionize military training by ensuring that only the required training is delivered at the point and time of need. This will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of force generation across Canada, according to Lockheed Martin.

RaceRocks has a decade-long history of delivering quality immersive training products and decision-making tools for aerospace and defence clients, Lockheed Martin noted.

Through its Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) obligations, Lockheed Martin Canada is partnering with RaceRocks to develop the adaptive learning engine.

The project will build out Lockheed’s total learning architecture (MENTOR) and contribute to the growth of RaceRocks’ Adenine platform—a multi- tenant, total learning enclave focused on delivering individualized, immersive learning experiences.

More broadly, this initiative will enhance research and development efforts in the Canadian aerospace and defence industry, advancing technology solutions for training, including immersive simulations, AI- driven adaptive learning tools, and innovative training and learning systems, Lockheed Martin added in its news release.

“RaceRocks and Lockheed Martin Canada will provide the best solutions for the training assessor and the student,” said Glenn Copeland, general manager, Lockheed Martin Canada Rotary and Mission Systems. “As a former Canadian Armed Forces warfare officer and head of Tactics and Training, I recognize the requirement for persistent, objective student assessment is overdue.’’

“This partnership directly aligns with RaceRocks’ goals by driving growth and innovation, which are important to Canada’s economy,” added Anita Pawluk, CEO and president of RaceRocks. “Additionally, it strengthens our role as an Indigenous-owned business, furthering our commitment to increasing Indigenous participation the aerospace and defence industry.

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By David Pugliese

From the March Issue (Volume 23, Issue 2)

MDA will provide upgrades to the ground systems supporting the radar surveillance systems on the RCAF's fleet of CP-140s. (Wikipedia)

MBDA announced on February 8 that it has commenced deliveries of a quantity of Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM) for the United Kingdom’s F-35B aircraft.

The first missile was delivered to the U.S. in January in conjunction with BAE Systems (the UK’s F-35 weapon integration lead). ASRAAM will be the first UK missile to arm the F-35 and its integration within the F-35 System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase of the program will give the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy’s F-35s a highly capable, passive, Within Visual Range air-to-air capability, MBDA officials noted.

British Defence Minister Philip Dunne welcomed the news from MBDA saying in a statement the upcoming work to integrate the MBDA Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile onto the F-35 “will provide a state of the art weapon for both our RAF and Royal Navy pilots.”

These test missiles will be used during 2016 for a series of flight trials and air-launched firings that are a key step towards the Initial Operating Capability of the aircraft by the UK. The trials will include environmental data gathering, safe separation from the aircraft and weapon integration with the F-35’s on-board systems. It will also involve weapon firing trials.

Kongsberg Maritime has been selected by L-3 MAPPS to provide the CCTV system for the Royal Canadian Navy’s Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS). L-3 MAPPS is one of the Tier 1 suppliers to Irving Shipbuilding, the prime contractor behind the AOPS program. Kongsberg Maritime has over 70 employees in Dartmouth, Vancouver and St. John’s, 190 employees in the UK and approximately 4,600 total across the world.

“Further to our recent CCTV supply for the Halifax-class frigates IPMS (Integrated Platform Management System) upgrade, we are delighted to be able to leverage from our proven marine & naval camera technologies to support L-3 MAPPS, Irving Shipbuilding and RCN on the prestigious AOPS Program which is a key milestone in the renewal of Canada’s combatant fleet,” David Fleming, Camera Systems Manager for Kongsberg Maritime, said in a statement.

Forming a key part of the IPMS, the CCTV system will provide the crew with real time video surveillance to assist with mission critical operations as well as providing increased safety, security and situational awareness on board the AOPS, the firm noted in a statement.

Deliverables from Kongsberg Maritime will include a combination of proven harsh environment CCTV cameras and cameras that have been adapted to meet the demands of RCN and an Arctic environment. That includes an upgraded, high definition, version of the proven Kongsberg Maritime Helicopter Operations Surveillance System (HOSS), which will assist in monitoring of the take-off and landing operations off the CH-148 Cyclone helicopters.

Kongsberg recently delivered a new CCTV system for the U.S. Coast Guard’s Polar Star heavy icebreaker.

MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates of Richmond, BC, signed a contract amendment for $3 million with the Department of National Defence to provide upgrades to the ground systems supporting the radar surveillance systems on the RCAF’s fleet of CP-140s. Those systems were developed by MDA.

MDA’s radar surveillance system provides users with a high resolution imaging capability that can detect, locate, and classify land and marine-based objects, such as vehicles and ships.

Rolls-Royce announced that it had achieved a significant milestone for the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 Global Combat Ship program. At a recent ceremony in Bristol the company marked the completion of a successful factory acceptance test for the first MT30 gas turbine for the Type 26 Global Combat Ship in the presence of the UK Minister for Defence Procurement Philip Dunne MP, and representatives of prime contractor BAE Systems.

Rolls-Royce has signed a contract to supply MT30 gas turbines for the first three Royal Navy Type 26 Global Combat Ships. The company has also signed Design Development Agreements (DDAs) with BAE Systems for steering gear, stabilizers, and mission bay handling equipment. There is also a DDA in place for diesel generator sets to power the ship’s electric drive system, Rolls-Royce noted.

In a statement, Don Roussinos, Rolls-Royce, President – Naval, said: “Successful completion of the factory acceptance test is a significant achievement for everyone involved in the Type 26 Program. Producing 36 to 40 megawatts the MT30 gas turbine is the world’s most powerful in-service marine gas turbine with the highest power density and will deliver a high power output in a compact space — an essential factor for naval propulsion.”

The factory acceptance test, which has to be completed before the gas turbine can be delivered, was carried out at the Rolls-Royce Test Facility in Bristol. The engine was put through a week of rigorous performance tests, witnessed by representatives from BAE Power Systems.

The MT30s are also being installed in the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales. They are also in service with the U.S. Navy and have been selected for the Republic of Korea Navy’s latest frigate program.

Rolls Royce officials have noted that while the MT30 is built in its UK manufacturing facilities, the Type 26’s mission bay handling equipment is produced exclusively in the company’s Peterborough, Ont., marine manufacturing center. 

The Oerlikon Skyguard 3 air defence system was recently bought by the Royal Thai Army. The system`s armament includes an Oerlikon Twin Gun GDF 007, VSHORAD missile launchers, and an Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk2 towed. (RHEINMETALL DEFENSE)

For the first time, the Royal Thai Army has awarded Rheinmetall a major contract for air defence technology. The multi-million euro order encompasses four latest-generation Skyguard systems.

In all, the group’s Swiss subsidiary Rheinmetall Air Defence will be supplying Thailand with four Oerlikon Skyguard 3 fire control systems and eight 35mm Oerlikon Twin Gun GDF 007 anti-aircraft cannons. The order also includes Rheinmetall’s unique Ahead airburst ammunition and additional services. Delivery will take place between 2017 and 2020.

A key element of the modernization program consists of equipping the missile/gun air defence systems with advanced radar technology.

Besides a new search radar, the Skyguard 3 systems will be outfitted (among other things) with a new target tracking radar, a latest-generation friend-foe identification system as well as cutting-edge electronic warfare components. The missile launcher will be upgraded with a new state-of-the-art electronic pod, which will enhance the system’s missile capability. Logistical support will also be improved.

Rheinmetall has also received a contract to modernize air defence system of an undisclosed international customer.

Irving Shipbuilding has fired back at the CBC about its news report detailing problems with the Canadian Coast Guard’s mid-shore patrol ships.

CBC cited complaints about faulty wiring and premature corrosion on the new Hero-class, 43-metre patrol vessels. Other complaints included polluted water tanks, faulty pipes, and a gearbox failure. Such issues could endanger the safety of the crew, the CBC noted.

Irving responded to the CBC report through a statement, noting that only “minor and routine” issues have been raised about the mid-shore patrol ships and it has worked with the Coast Guard to deal with these.

Irving acknowledged that five sections of cable, less than 500 metres of wiring, had to be replaced. But considering how much wiring is in the ship, “No reasonable person would call this ‘faulty wiring’,” Irving responded in its statement.

Irving has also noted that the mid-shore patrol vessel design is a proven one and that it has been certified by experts at Lloyds Registry and the Canadian government.

“The CBC identified the potential for problems in heavy ice conditions,” Irving also noted. “However, these operations are not designed or meant for operations in heavy ice. They are designed to be fast patrol ships.”

The French Ministry of Defence has launched the Aster Block 1 NT program. NT stands for new technology and the goal is to modernize the SAMP/T ground based air defence system as well as its associated Aster missile.

The contract was awarded to the EUROSAM consortium, which includes MBDA and Thales. It calls for the development of a new version of the Aster 30 Block 1 missile, referred to as Aster B1 NT.

Airbus will buy the Navtech group of companies, which provide flight operations solutions. Navtech serves more than 400 aircraft operators and aviation services customers worldwide with a suite of flight ops products, including electronic flight bag (EFB) solutions, aeronautical charts, navigation data solutions, flight planning, aircraft performance, and crew planning solutions.

Navtech generates annual revenues of around $42 million and employs over 250 employees, mainly based in Waterloo, Ont., and in Hersham and Cardiff, Wales, UK.

Fabrice Brégier, Airbus’ President and Chief Executive Officer, noted in a statement: “We are very pleased to welcome Navtech into our company, contributing its industry-leading portfolio of digital solutions and expert know-how.” He added: “This acquisition is further affirmation of Airbus’ digitalization and services growth strategies, and is a significant milestone to serve our existing and future customers.”