Tootfinder

And there you have it, the old "Tutor" planes of the Snowbirds will be officially retired after this flying season.
The squadron will be replaced by 2030 according to Minister McGuinty with the CT-157 Siskin II.
It is a turbo-prob plane now moving into place as the RCAF's primary training aircraft.
It is a Swiss-made Pilatus PC-21 aircraft. Last week, the first CT-157 achieved "factory acceptance”, so the timing is no coincidence I'm sure. Looks like these will be the new snowbirds in 2030.
Full CT-157 Siskin II info here:
#CanPoli #CdnPoli #RCAF #Snowbirds

According to Wiki, the Pilatus PC-21 is being used as training fleet for the air forces of:
Australia
France
Jordan
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Spain
Switzerland
UAE
Indonesia (in future)
#CanPoli #CdnPoli #RCAF #Snowbirds

Here's a quick comparison:
Both are 2 seaters. The CT-157 is a little bigger, but near the same performance as the Tutor jet.
CT-114 Tutor / CT-157 Siskin II
Length: 9.75m / 11.23m
Wingspan: 11.07m / 9.11m
Height: 2.8m / 3.7m
Max Takeoff Weight: 4990kg / 4250kg
Powerpant: Orenda J85 Turbojet / PW Canada PT6A-68B Turpoprop
Max Speed: 782kph / 685kph
Range: 1519km / 1333km
Celing: 13,600m / 11,580m
Rate of Climb: 21.4 m/s / 20.3m/s
#CanPoli #CdnPoli #RCAF #Snowbirds

There are increasing rumours and reports that two things are happening with the Royal Canadian Air Force.
1) that the Snowbirds may be replaced or cancelled.
2) that a decision is imminent on the F35 or split Gripen fighter fleet.
This “long shot” prediction from Esprit de Corps Canadian Military Magazine floats an interesting possibility that could happen as soon as May 19.
They suggest Minister of National Defence McGuinty will simultaneously announce:
1) The Gripen as the fighter of choice (presumably along with partnerships with SAAB).
2) The pause of the Snowbird program.
3) Replacement of the CF-114 Tutor jets with the Gripen for the revamped Snowbirds squadron.
I would approve of this plan!
#snowbirds #cdnpoli #canpoli #caf #rcaf #f35 #saab #gripen