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RCAF acquires three new de Havilland Dash 8-400 trainers

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RCAF acquires three new de Havilland Dash 8-400 trainers
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The Royal Canadian Air Force | RCAF

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is set to receive three new de Havilland Dash 8-400 trainers, procured by SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace. These aircraft will be used to train future Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators (AES Op) and Air Combat Systems Officers (ACSO), replacing the older De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Dash 8-100 (CT-142) turboprop trainers.

SkyAlyne has chosen the De Havilland of Canada Dash 8-400 as part of its RCAF Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program for the remaining 24 years of their contract. The company has already acquired various aircraft for training purposes, including 19 Airbus H135 helicopters, 23 Grob G 120TP turboprop basic trainers, and 19 Pilatus PC-21 turboprop trainers for advanced flying training.

Simple Flying previously covered the decision to purchase Pilatus PC-21s, which will replace Raytheon CT-156 Harvard II turboprop trainers from the year 2000. While these platforms are widely used by other air forces, SkyAlyne's choice to use the Dash 8-400 variant for military training marks a first.

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De Havilland of Canada will manufacture the new Dash 8-400s domestically. The aircraft have a rich history in commercial service, with some airlines like Horizon Air having retired their fleets. "De Havilland Canada aircraft have been part of the RCAF for almost as long as the Royal Canadian Air Force has been flying," said Ryan DeBusk, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at De Havilland Aircraft of Canada.

SkyAlyne plans to use these aircraft to replace the CT-142 version from the Dash 8 family. The CT-142 has served in the RCAF since December 20, 1989. The need for these new trainers stems from SkyAlyne's aim to provide high-quality in-flight training for future ACSOs and AES Ops who play crucial roles in missions such as search & rescue, humanitarian relief, aerial refueling, and maritime patrol.

Kevin Lemke, General Manager at SkyAlyne, expressed enthusiasm about integrating a proven platform with advanced simulation solutions: "SkyAlyne is excited to be able to combine a proven aircraft platform in the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 with our advanced airborne simulation solution for the Future Aircrew Training program."

The acquisition signifies an investment in Canadian aerospace excellence while enhancing RCAF's training capabilities with modern technology-packed airframes.

Organizations Included in this History
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