The Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) fleet of CT-155 Hawk jets is being repurposed for a new training role. After nearly 24 years serving as advanced jet trainers for pilots, the Hawks are being retired from flying duties due to their limitations in preparing pilots for modern fighter jets like the CF-35A.
Balon Greyjoy, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
While no longer suitable for in-air training, the Hawks are far from obsolete. They are being introduced at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE) as maintenance trainers for future aircraft technicians. This redeployment represents a significant step in the RCAF’s Training Modernization Strategy, aimed at ensuring technicians are equipped to handle the complexities of modern aircraft.
The CT-155 Hawk offers several advantages over the previously used CT-114 Tutor trainers. First, despite their 1970s origins, the Canadian-upgraded Hawks boast a more modern design compared to the Tutor trainers. Second, the Hawks feature components and systems that are more representative of contemporary aircraft, including modern landing gear, wing structures, head-up displays (HUDs), and mission computers. Finally, the Hawk’s design allows for easier access to key systems like engines, facilitating a more practical learning environment for future aircraft technicians.
Following the disbandment of 419 Tactical Fighter Training Squadron in March 2024, ten Hawks were relocated from operational bases to Collingwood Airport in Ontario.
These aircraft have since been transported to Borden, where they will undergo modifications to suit their new training role. The remaining Hawks will be delivered to Borden over the coming weeks.
The arrival of the Hawks at CFSATE coincides with the RCAF’s 100th anniversary celebrations. This repurposing of the Hawk fleet ensures its continued service in Borden, the birthplace of the Canadian Air Force, contributing to future generations of air operations.
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Why on earth wouldn’t the RCAF transfer the BAe Hawks to the Snowbirds as replacements for CT-114 Tutors? We’ll just strap our best pilots to aircraft over 60 years old that are so outdated how they don’t turn to dust in midair by their age is a miracle! I’ve sat in a static display Tutor and the number of circuit breakers in there alone would creep me out in today’s age. You have to be an octopus to reach some of the breakers. Our government has no forward thinking and it’s a bloody shame our personnel have to put up with the poor decision making made from the Ministry of Defence. The Hawks would be a perfect replacement for the Snowbirds and are successful with the RAF’s Red Arrows team. It would be really something to have the Snowbirds and Red Arrows flying the same planes and they could have a competition at an air show.