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August 24, 2020 | Local, Aerospace

SkyAlyne expands team for Future Aircrew Training bid

By Wings Staff

SkyAlyne Canada LP, a partnership between CAE and KF Aerospace, introduced an expanded team of subcontractors to pursue the Royal Canadian Air Force's contract for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program, the military pilot and aircrew training program under the Government of Canada's ongoing, generational Strong, Secure Engaged investment plan.

SkyAlyne is one of four qualified suppliers bidding for the FAcT contract, along with Babcock Canada Inc., Leonardo Canada, and Lockheed Martin Canada Inc. With a contract award date expected to come in 2023, FAcT combines all Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilot training with aircrew support training.

Canadian-based companies ATCO Frontec, Bluedrop Training and Simulation, Canadian Base Operators, Canadian Helicopters, SERCO Canada and PAL Aerospace are joining SkyAlyne's FAcT bid. SkyAlyne describes PAL Aerospace as a notable new addition to the team given its experience in airborne surveillance and intelligence operations, sensor operator training, mission systems development and aircraft modification capabilities. The newly expanded SkyAlyne team collectively employs more than 14,000 Canadians and operates in every region of Canada.

“Our goal is to work with the Royal Canadian Air Force to continue providing a world-class aircrew training program built by Canadians for Canadians,” said Tracy Medve, board chair of SkyAlyne. “These partnerships will strengthen SkyAlyne's position and help us move towards our objective to retain this crucial military capability in Canada.”

SkyAlyne states it is the only Canadian-founded and Canadian-based qualified supplier competing for the FAcT program. Its parent companies, CAE and KF Aerospace, currently deliver all phases of pilot training for the RCAF through the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) program based in Moose Jaw, SK, and Cold Lake, AB, as well as the Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) program based in Southport, MB. The new subcontractors added to the SkyAlyne team also hold extensive experience working with the RCAF, with most also currently supporting the NFTC and CFTS programs.

“This agreement further ensures that the FAcT program benefits from the very latest Canadian expertise and innovation in aircrew training,” says France Hébert, president, SkyAlyne. “If selected, SkyAlyne will train the next generation of Royal Canadian Air Force airwomen and airmen while helping grow Canadian small- and medium-sized businesses, as well as local and Indigenous communities. The selection of the SkyAlyne team would be a win-win for the Royal Canadian Air Force and for the Canadian aerospace industry.”

https://www.wingsmagazine.com/skyalyne-expands-team-for-future-aircrew-training-bid/

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  • DND looking at acquiring drones to replace those damaged in crashes earlier this year

    August 6, 2019 | Local, Aerospace

    DND looking at acquiring drones to replace those damaged in crashes earlier this year

    DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN The Department of National Defence is looking at buying two more drones to replace those damaged in crashes earlier this year. Two of the Blackjack uninhabited aerial vehicles were damaged beyond economical repair on Jan. 31 and March 21. The damage occurred during training flights, one of which involved a collision with the recovery system. In late June there were articles in the U.S. defence press about Boeing subsidiary Insitu receiving new contracts for RQ-21A Blackjack small unhabituated aerial vehicles from the U.S. government and other countries including Canada. But the DND says the claims about Canada proceeding with a purchase are premature. Canada announced in 2016 that it was acquiring small uninhabited aerial system or SUAS (RQ-21A Blackjack) from the U.S. through a Foreign Military Sale. The federal government bought one complete system so far. That package includes four aircraft with one spare, which was delivered to the 4th Artillery Regiment (General Support) in CFB Gagetown. With the crashes earlier this work is underway at the DND on whether to proceed with replacing those aircraft. “We are assessing the possibility of making use of the provisions in this contract to purchase replacement aircraft, as two units were damaged beyond economical repair earlier this year,” explained DND spokeswoman Jessica Lamirande. Flight safety investigations are ongoing in order to determine cause and assess preventative measures, she added. Discussions are ongoing with the U.S. so costs and a timeline for replacements is not yet known. “We are also exploring the possibility of purchasing a second system, though internal discussions are still ongoing and no final decision has yet been made,” Lamirande said. https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/dnd-looking-at-acquiring-drones-to-replace-those-damaged-in-crashes-earlier-this-year

  • Cost of 15 new Canadian warships rises to $70 billion: PBO report

    June 25, 2019 | Local, Naval

    Cost of 15 new Canadian warships rises to $70 billion: PBO report

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  • GA-ASI to Host Strategic Industry Engagements in Canada

    August 24, 2020 | Local, Aerospace

    GA-ASI to Host Strategic Industry Engagements in Canada

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