Full Breakdown
New Turboprop Trainers Arrive to Replace Snowbirds’ Aging Jets
By Drooid · · How we work
Arrival of the CT-157 Siskin II
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) received the first two CT-157 Siskin II aircraft, the turboprop trainers that will eventually replace the long-servicing CT-114 Tutor jets used by the Snowbirds aerial demonstration team. The planes performed a ceremonial fly-past over Gatineau, Quebec, before heading to 15 Wing Moose Jaw, where the RCAF plans to base a fleet of 19 Siskins as its primary training platform.
Background and Context
The Tutor jets, in service for roughly 60 years, have faced reliability issues as upgrade parts grew scarce, prompting the federal government’s spring announcement to retire them. The Siskin II, also known as the Pilatus PC-21, has been employed by the Swiss Air Force since about 2008 and by Australia’s Roulettes team, demonstrating its suitability for both training and aerobatic displays. The RCAF’s acquisition aligns with its broader “Future Aircrew Training” (FAcT) initiative, which will encompass 71 aircraft across five trainer fleets.
Key Figures and Organizations
- Lt-Gen Jamie Speiser-Blanchet – Commander of the RCAF, highlighted the aircraft’s modern cockpit, maneuverability, and suitability for both stunt work and advanced fighter training.
- Ioannis Papachristofilou – Deputy CEO of Pilatus (Switzerland), described the Siskin II’s high-performance PT6A-68B turboprop engine, produced in Canada, and its embedded mission-simulation suite that accelerates pilot proficiency.
- SkyAlyne – A partnership of CAE and KF Aerospace that secured a 25-year, $11-billion contract in 2024 to deliver the FAcT training program.
Data and Statistics
- Planned fleet size: 19 Siskin II aircraft at Moose Jaw.
- Overall trainer fleet under FAcT: 71 aircraft in five groups.
- Contract value for the training program: $11 billion over 25 years.
- Engine model: Pratt & Whitney PT6A-68B, Canadian-manufactured.
Impact and Future Plans
The introduction of the Siskin II is expected to expand the pool of pilots eligible for the Snowbirds, as many trainees will become familiar with the aircraft during their early training phases. Consolidating the fleet at Moose Jaw should simplify maintenance and support logistics. While the turboprop’s top speed is lower and its noise level reduced compared with the jet-powered Tutors, officials anticipate that its agility and modern systems will deliver compelling aerial displays that “wow Canadians” once the Snowbirds resume performances after a planned hiatus that could extend to 2030.