First Canadian flight and paint reveal: CT-153 Juno (Airbus H135) advances FAcT program in Fort Erie, Ontario
Press Release
SkyAlyne and Airbus Helicopters in Canada have achieved a key milestone in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program, with the first CT-153 Juno (Airbus H135) completing initial Canadian test flights and showing its RCAF livery in Fort Erie, Ontario.
Following initial assembly and acceptance, the aircraft was delivered to Canada for completion activities, including the integration of Canadian-specific modifications and application of the program’s “Reflect Forward” paint scheme.
Initial flights and installation of the Canadian STCs in Fort Erie represent important steps in validating aircraft performance, systems integration, and overall airworthiness. This phase of testing ensures the platform meets the rigorous standards required to support the training of future RCAF pilots.
The CT-153 Juno’s livery reflects both heritage and modernization, incorporating the RCAF’s historic training yellow alongside contemporary blue tones and national red-and-white elements. Designed for visibility and identity, the aircraft signals a forward-looking approach to Canadian aircrew training.
Final RCAF markings will be applied in the coming weeks, prior to delivery to the RCAF.
As the advanced rotary-wing training aircraft for the FAcT program, the CT-153 Juno will play a central role in delivering a comprehensive, integrated training system for the next generation of RCAF pilots.
The CT-153 Juno is powered by two full authority digital engine control (FADEC) Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B3 engines and includes the Airbus Helionix avionics suite. Canada’s Juno fleet will be based at 15 Wing Southport with the 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School.
With flight testing underway and fleet delivery progressing, this milestone underscores continued momentum in the delivery of a made-in-Canada training capability for decades to come.
SkyAlyne is acquiring 19 CT-153 Junos for the RCAF with deliveries beginning in mid-2026.
There is a typo in the press release.
15 wing is CFB Moose Jaw, SK, and Southport is CFB Portage la Prairie, MB. Two separate places.
I'm pretty sure that they just meant Portage, because I haven't heard anything about MJ getting rotary wing training. They are getting the grobe and platus fixed wing portion of FAcT.
Are the Juno’s getting civil registrations. That mark looks way too big to be temporary.