This story originally appeared in Wings Magazine.

SkyAlyne, a joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace, completed Factory Acceptance activities associated with the manufacturing of the first two Grob G 120TP aircraft, designated the CT-102B Astra II in Canada, which will be delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) for use in the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. The aircraft are manufactured by Grob Aircraft in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany.

“The completion of manufacturing and acceptance of the first two aircraft, which SkyAlyne will provide to the RCAF for the FAcT program, is a major milestone for the program,” commented SkyAlyne General Manager, Kevin Lemke. “This is a supremely capable aircraft, far exceeding the capabilities of the aircraft it is replacing. It will become a key contributor to the FAcT program, and the RCAF’s renewed aircrew training capability.”

Once in service with the RCAF, SkyAlyne explains the CT-102B Astra II will serve as the Basic Flying Training aircraft – meaning all pilot trainees in the FAcT program will begin their flying careers on this platform. The two-seater aircraft is powered by the Rolls-Royce M250-B17F turbine engine, which produces up to 456 shaft horsepower. Paired with a typical operating weight in the range of 1,500kg, SkyAlyne explains, the result is a highly capable and responsive aerobatic aircraft.

Canada’s CT-102Bs will be registered by the Department of National Defence and loaned to SkyAlyne as the operator. The fleet will be based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw. Pilot training will be conducted on the aircraft in partnership between SkyAlyne and the RCAF.

In total, SkyAlyne is acquiring 23 new Grob G 120TP aircraft for the RCAF and the FAcT program. Upon their arrival in Canada, the aircraft will be used to support continued development of the all-new FAcT capabilities, SkyAlyne explains, including ongoing courseware development, instructor training, initial training program field trials, and other test and evaluation activities.

The FAcT 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. 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.

“I extend my thanks to the team at Grob Aircraft for their ongoing hard work and craftsmanship, in producing this exceptional aircraft,” concluded Lemke. “We can’t wait to see them flying in Canada.”

The first two Grob G 120TPs / CT-102Bs are expected to arrive in Canada in mid-September, following a trans-Atlantic ferry flight. The aircraft will subsequently transit to 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Sask., to complete delivery to the RCAF.

About KF Aerospace

We’re all about THE CRAFT.

For 55 years, KF Aerospace has delivered innovative aircraft solutions for corporate, commercial and military customers worldwide—including OEMs such as Boeing; major airlines such as WestJet, Sunwing, Air Canada, Lynden Air Cargo and Icelandair; and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). From humble roots in the Okanagan Valley, KF has grown to specialize in aircraft maintenance and modifications, military aircrew training, passenger charter services and cargo flight operations, and leasing—with the same commitment to quality and service established by its founder in 1970. In 2023, KF was named the preferred bidder for the RCAF’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program in its partnership with CAE called SkyAlyne.

To learn more visit www.kfaero.ca or contact media@kfaero.ca