| Canada may launch programme to replace CT The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) may be looking for a new jet trainer to replace its BAE systems CT-155 Hawk aircraft, multiple industry sources confirm. All that needs to happen in that case is that the trainer be adequately upgraded to handle the training tasks associated with the F-35. " . Sources say a senior Canadian defence official spoke to would-be contractors at the show about the potential Hawk replacement. A complete training system would entail not only an aircraft, but also high-fidelity simulators, a training curriculum and other services. Advancements in simulation technology might mean that high-fidelity simulators will replace live flying events for certain tasks--aerial refueling being one. But some sources say that any new effort would not necessarily mean that the Canadian government is going to replace the Hawk. That being said, it might take a number of years before an acquisition proceeds. Industry sources say that there's no current programme of record to replace the British-built Hawk trainers. Potential contenders could include the BAE Hawk 128, Alenia Aeronautica's M-346 and the Korean Aerospace T-50. But other ancillary devices such as advanced simulators might also be needed. The Canadian Department of National Defence could not comment by press time. |
Saturday, 2 June 2012
Canada may launch programme to replace CT
