Airbus to supply RCAF with 19 H135 helicopters

The H135 has more than 400,000 flight hours in military training. Photo: © Airbus.

Airbus Helicopters awarded contract to SkyAlyne, a joint venture SAE and KF Aerospace will supply 19 H135 helicopters to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

The deal is part of Canada’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program and represents the first deployment of Airbus helicopters to the Canadian Forces.

This FAcT program will provide aircrew training services to the RCAF to support the readiness of a versatile and capable air force. It will include pilot training, as well as training for air combat systems officers and airborne electronic sensor operators.

The twin-engine H135 helicopters will be modified and delivered from the Airbus Helicopters plant in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada. Deliveries are expected to begin in the first half of 2026.

The H135s will be equipped with Canadian-developed optional type certifications that enhance the avionics suite and communications systems, and will also feature a custom cockpit.

The contract includes the acquisition of aircraft, a package of support and services, assistance in developing a ground training solution, and engineering support for the entry into service of helicopters.

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SkyAlyne Senior Executive Director Kevin Lemke said: “Securing the RCAF’s Airbus H135 fleet is an important milestone for SkyAlyne and the FAcT program as it strengthens a key element of the program’s schedule.

“Selecting the modern H135 from Airbus Helicopters makes a significant contribution to the Canadian economy, and SkyAlyne is proud to build a world-leading pilot and aircrew training program for the RCAF while supporting Canadian jobs.”

With more than 400,000 flight hours in military training, the H135 is used by several of Canada’s military allies for basic, advanced IFR and tactical training.

It is considered a full-spectrum training aircraft, allowing the development of fundamental skills and facilitating the transition of pilots to more complex helicopters in the RCAF fleet.

The H135 supports night vision systems (NVIS) and can be configured to use night vision goggles (NVG).

The H135 joins the fleet of Airbus aircraft already in service with Canadian Defense, including the Airbus 310 (CC150 Polaris), the Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport (CC330 Husky) and the Airbus C295 (CC295 Kingfisher).

Since 1984, approximately 600 Airbus helicopters have been delivered to Canada, with Canada’s fleet of 760 helicopters in service logging more than 275,000 flight hours in 2023 alone.

H135’s global presence includes shipments to more than 66 countries.

Airbus Helicopters presented his first A Spanish Air Force H135 at Albacete in 2023.

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