Photo: SkyAlyne
On 24 July, the first production test flight of the first CT-102B Astra II (Grob G 120TP) destined for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) took place at the Grob Aircraft facility in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany. The successful flight lasted approximately 30 minutes.
“The CT-102B is a very impressive aircraft to operate, and its capabilities greatly exceed the current piston-powered CT-102As that are in service in Canada,” commented SkyAlyne’s Chief Pilot, Michel “Savvy” Savard. “The CT-102B will be an impressive upgrade that introduces new capabilities into the Basic Flying Training element of the new Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.”
The initial 24 July flight profile included functional testing of the engine, aircraft systems and flight controls that is a routine part of Grob Aircraft’s manufacturing and delivery process. The aircraft performed well, as expected. Future test flights will confirm the performance of the aircraft in wider operating envelopes.
The RCAF CT-102Bs are 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 approximately only 1,400kg, the result is a highly capable and responsive aerobatic aircraft.
Lyle Fair, Head of Aircraft Acquisition for SkyAlyne, confirmed the first two CT-102Bs are expected to arrive in Canada in September: “The excitement is building to have these aircraft on Canadian soil. The whole team is eager for their delivery to the RCAF.”
Upon their arrival in Canada, the aircraft will be delivered to the RCAF to support the ongoing development of the FAcT program – an effort that is expected to span the coming two-to-three years. The FAcT program represents a renewal of the entire ab-initio training ecosystem for the RCAF. This includes new aircraft, new simulation systems, new lesson plans and courseware, new infrastructure, new IM/IT systems, and more.
Canada’s CT-102Bs will be DND-registered aircraft, loaned to SkyAlyne as the operator and based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw. Pilot training will be conducted on the aircraft in partnership between SkyAlyne and the RCAF.
