The author examines the pre-war lives and training of numerous airmen, peeling back layers of their humanity, their strengths and their failures. This book is recommended for all pilots, from novices to high timers. Reviewer, retired Royal Canadian Air Force pilot Ken Armstrong, warns that parts of the investigators' reports are quite graphic.
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The history of military equipment acquisition in Canada includes some notable failures, but also some solid success stories. Can any of these lessons be applied effectively in the struggle to reverse the continuing decline in Canada’s defence procurement situation today?
Airbus is offering the H135 for Canada's advanced military pilot training role. With avionics similar to operational aircraft, this twin-engine full-spectrum trainer offers significant growth potential and the ability to future-proof the FAcT program while developing core skills for easy and safe pilot transition onto the complex helicopters of today’s RCAF fleet.
A bipartisan group in the U.S. House of Representatives wants President Joe Biden’s administration to commit to ongoing full funding of the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter procurement. Concern about maintenance issues have raised questions in the Senate about the program but the House. noting that the program employs 254,000 workers at more than 1,800 suppliers, says the Pentagon “continues to flat-line F-35 production investments . . . and underfund advanced capabilities.”
The shift from land wars to conflicts in contested air and sea spaces, means new concepts of operations and systems are developing, and this requires collaboration between the services.
Supporting operations across six continents, Babcock experts design, build, manage, operate and maintain assets vital to the delivery of critical aviation and marine services.
Sixty-three Canadians were among 167 fatalities when a Boeing 737-800 operated by Ukraine International Airlines crashed minutes after taking off from Tehran International Airport 08 January.
An off-the-cuff assertion by technology entrepreneur Elon Musk that the era of manned fighter aircraft “has passed” is predictably being challenged. Douglas Birkey, executive director of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, based in Arlington, Va., says the demands and intricacies of aerial combat are such that drones will remain an impracticable alternative for the foreseeable future.
A second GPS III navigation satellite, launched by the U.S. Department of Defense last August, has been declared operational even though some features won’t be available until the full constellation of 10 Lockheed Martin platforms is in orbit and ground-based hardware is installed. The new satellites are expected to deliver more accurate data and be less susceptible to jamming.
Gen Mark Kelly, who has logged more than 6,000 flying hours, including more than 800 in combat, is the new head of U.S. Air Combat Command, which has nearly 115,000 enlisted personnel, 20,000 officers and 22,600 civilians at more than 242 locations housing nearly 1,100 aircraft.
To get the insider perspective on the future of NORAD and how important Canada’s participation in this effort is, FrontLine spoke to Deputy Commander Lieutenant-General Christopher Coates from his post at NORAD HQ, Peterson Air Force Base in El Paso County, Colorado Springs.
This compelling and informative historical account of the role of naval combat aviation juggles three themes: the story of the Top Gun program, Hollywood’s impact on fighter pilot aviation including of course the iconic movie Top Gun; and finally a history of the evolution of aircraft in a war fighting role. Chapters highlight the origin of the Navy’s fighter pilot program and its rigorous training, interspersed with personal vignettes and anecdotes of the pilots and their lifestyle. The book also reveals some of the many technological advances that transformed aerial combat from WWI to current day.
In 2018, Airbus generated revenues of $96 billion CAD in 2018, and employed a workforce of around 134,000 around the world – including more than 3,000 Canadians – employed in the fields of aeronautics, space and related services.
With a focus on rapid deployment of equipment, supplies, personnel and management, Frontec specializes in operational support services, facilities management, logistics and consulting, remote site turn-key accommodation and disaster and emergency response solutions.
Each year, CAE trains more than 220,000 civil and defence crewmembers, including 135,000 pilots and thousands of healthcare professionals. Its expertise also extends to the digital security sector.
One of Canada’s largest defence maintenance organizations, IMP has six Operating Units: IMP Aerospace, Cascade Aerospace, IMP Electronics Systems, IMP Aerostructures, IMP Naval & Land Services and Canadian SAR Helicopter.
Boeing Co. has secured a contract valued at nearly $46 million to upgrade training of aircrews on P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft flown by the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. Funding was approved in 2017 and with most of the work being done in the U.S., completion is expected in 2022.
Recent drone attacks on Saudi Arabian petroleum facilities evidently are raising concerns about the prospect of similar strikes against other strategic facilities. The extensive damage has spiked an increase in global oil prices.
The evolution of the role of fighters is at the center of the shift to recraft combat capabilities and operations as operational contexts change.
Instead of ‘getting on’ with a competition to replace Canada's aging fighter aircraft, a distraction in the form on "interim aircraft" was created to further delay the much-dreaded competition. And now even the Auditor General is crying foul.
While training programs are now producing a higher output of pilots, another challenge is the limited capacity of the next stage of training, in which newly-winged RCAF pilots advance to the Operational Training Units. How does the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. factor in?
The Military Flying Training System (MFTS), a contract that facilitates the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in preparing aircrews for eventual assignment to frontline squadrons, is operated by Lockheed Martin and Babcock International, using Airbus helicopters.
Over the past half-decade, a growing chorus of former government officials and retired generals have argued that Canada should reverse its long-held position of non-participation and formally join the United States’ continental Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) program. How does that look as we close out 2018?
Russia is finishing a large-scale expansion of its fleet of combat helicopters and planning a further focus on selective supplies, according to the Russian Defence Ministry and leading combat aviation experts.
The Nordic perspective on the importance of the cross-border training and how it affects allied relationships across NATO.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. NATO, ATT, international trade, human rights abuses – can anyone get it right?
How can the public understand why an interim buy of fighter jets is suddenly necessary to ensure Canada’s security, when 13 former Air Force Commanders can’t either?
George Sweanor (98), a retired RCAF Squadron Leader, was met by members of 419 Tactical Fighter (Training) Squadron at the Colorado Springs Airport following the unit’s training mission in El Centro, California.
Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. It is also a leader in providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s largest space companies.
Developing new, environmentally friendly “laser ablation” technology to remove the coating from an aircraft, military vehicle or even a ship – it is a cost effective alternative to current processes.
With a reputation for innovation and excellence, CMC designs, manufactures and supports advanced avionics products.
Delivers situational awareness by providing remotely piloted aircraft systems, radar, and electro-optic and related mission systems solutions for military and commercial applications worldwide.
Six divisions employ some 2000 people in six provinces and utilize a Canadian supply base of more than 800 companies to design, build, integrate, deliver and service world leading products.
From naval innovation to renewable energy, and autonomous systems to cyber security, the company now has more than 950 highly skilled and experienced Canadian employees.
Marinvent provides aerospace consulting, services, training, tools and IP. Its unique combination of technical experts, flying avionics test bed, test pilots, software tools and research simulator are used to help customers bring their new products to market efficiently.
UTC companies provide high-technology systems and services for the fast-growing aerospace and building industries.
A recent RCAF announcement may impact defence policy, defence procurement, SAR mission effectiveness. Who will answer the SAR community?
Adapting to anti-submarine warfare (ASW) requires mastering new technologies that provide capabilities to leverage reachback systems, robust networks, and distributed strike options.
Danish government has released a new defence agreement covering the next six years of defense expenditure and planning. It also defines the top two threats to focus on in terms of priorities and spending.
Given the public response each time the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) calls for astronaut applications, it is clear that thousands of us feel we possess the necessary qualifications to get into space, however, only a few make it through the selection process.
The space industry’s role in the Canadian economy is significant, including earth observation, communications, robotics, and pure and applied research.
The rebuilding of Russia’s Northern fleet and its defense bastion built around the Kola Peninsula creates a direct challenge to Norway, and is of strategic interest to all of the Arctic Council States.
Does Canada face unmanageable simultaneous commitments to NORAD and NATO? The House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence (SCND) recently went In Camera to start drafting its long-awaited report on “Canada and the Defence of North America”, an issue the Members of Parliament have been studying for the better part of a year.
The RCAF’s new Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue aircraft will be a “game-changer.”
Defence capability gaps aren’t an issue in our country. So why should the federal government announce one now?
Innovative aviation and high-integrity solutions in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, simulation and training, and information management are delivered by a global workforce and service network in more than 150 countries.
An international leader in the development of equipment and systems for maritime forces worldwide, specializing in under sea surveillance.
Specializing in corrosion management – maintains, restores, cleans and preserves all sorts of metal products and structures, even in the most demanding environments.
President Trump is proposing a $54 Billion surge in U.S. military spending for new ships and aircraft (including fighters) in his first federal budget – while slashing big chunks from domestic programs and foreign aid to make the government "do more with less."
As a result of Canada's Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships program requirements, a team of engineers, scientists and technicians from Toronto-based Nanowave Technologies are working on innovative solutions for some of the world’s top defence and aerospace platforms and companies.
Russia is in the process of expanding and modernizing its national military aviation fleet (manned and unmanned) by 2020.
Obligations to shareholders and the markets are all very nice and, frankly, understandable. But what about obligations to taxpayers everywhere who ultimately foot the bills?
If the C-27J Spartan is chosen to become the nation’s next fixed-wing search-and-rescue (FWSAR) aircraft, the mission of DRS Technologies Canada will be to help make that challenge more manageable.
The Russian Ministry of Defence plans to significantly accelerate R&D activities.
WWII Spitfire and Hurricane pilot epitomizes the dedication and humility of wartime service.
Brazil’s military is currently struggling to sort out what they can continue to fund, what can be delayed, and what must simply be abandoned.
An assessment of Britain's National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 and how it impacts defence recapitalization.
A look at key drivers to Australia's Security environment and the pace of military modernization.
What are our future needs? Have new technologies and threats been considered? Read on for a personal commentary on the replacement program.
These last few years have seen a flurry of activity. The bids have now been submitted – finally setting the stage for first delivery of new aircraft. FrontLine looks at the process and the contenders.
A global leader in the delivery of training for the defence and security, civil aviation and healthcare markets.
Providing diverse services to aerospace, defence customers: health care, IT services, engineering, and complex pre-deployment training exercises.
This leading global security company provides innovative systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide.
A rugged and maneuverable multi-mission aircraft, the C-27J Spartan offers some of the most up-to-date features available in aviation today.
Designs, manufactures and services engineered textiles and survival solutions for all military environments.
UTC companies provide high-technology systems and services for the fast-growing aerospace and building industries.
How much more hybrid can you get than the current situation over Syria? Airpower needs to seamlessly operate in all airspace – uncontested, contestable and contested.
A strategy built around shaping innovative ways to integrate assets in support of air and joint operations.
After years of research and investment, robotic technology deserves a greatly expanded role in many areas.
The case of the Airbus A400M. The tragic crash of an A400M during test flight, reminds us of how risky the introduction of new systems can be. An April tour of the Airbus facilities in Spain helps put risk and the drive to perfect into perspective.
Airbus Helicopters Canada is the helicopter manufacturing division of Airbus Group that designs, builds and supports state of the art Helicopters in Canada.
The Aerospace and Defence Industry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador facilitates the development of business opportunities in the Aerospace, Defence and Security sector and acts as a common forum for all Newfoundland and Labrador aerospace and defence related companies, agencies and other interested stakeholders.
Prototype Equipment Design is a Canadian company providing precision design and manufacturing for the global future.
The Alenia C-27J Spartan is a medium-sized military transport aircraft developed and manufactured by Alenia Aermacchi.
Pratt & Whitney: A global leader in aircraft propulsion. UTC Aerospace Systems: Suppliers of advance aerospace and defense products. Sikorsky: Industry leader in flight solutions for commercial and military markets around the world.
Land wars of the past decade have led to a significant redirection of military forces, particularly in the United States. Will this new focus help thwart and destroy ISIS? Can supporting the Kurdish military win against the “Islamic State” jihadists?
A decade of painfully public, thoroughly documented delays and renegotiations has taken the procurement beyond an embarrassment to a political liability.
Boeing updates its CF-18 legacy Hornet. The Super Hornet is set to challenge for Canada's new fighter jet requirement.
New cargo aircraft offer an intriguing mix of capacity, capability and range.
Troubling questions remain about quality control in the F-35 supply chain.
The Project Manager (2000-2005) recalls the original SOR process.
The CP-140 Aurora is arguably the most effective strategic C4ISR platform available.
Airpower is central to 21st century security; but not by supporting aircraft with limited aviation tanking assets.
The procurement of FWSAR aircraft has waxed and waned for over a decade.
The CP-140 Aurora is arguably the most effective strategic C4ISR platform available.
The program is steadily progressing. A look at the latest numbers. Are Canadian companies benefitting?
There are no bargains in a hostile sky. Alternative fighter jets could make Joint Strike Fighter look like a good deal.
From troubled program to transformation reality, the Osprey has emerged to offer astoundingly flexible capabilities. Are new capabilities and proven frontline performance worth the price?
New frontline fighters have revolutionized basic & advanced military flying training. With flight time so expensive, the call goes out for a new generation of Trainers.
Are you relieved that we are turning the clocks back to the pre-sole-sourcing days of the CF-18 replacement?
Recruit, train, and equip – these three words sum up the responsibilities of the Chief of the Air Staff – and always with an eye to the future. Long term plans focus on investing in capability, something that has been gradually diminished in recent decades.
Until a few years ago, major air forces worldwide trained their jet pilots on basic and advanced training aircraft equipped with analogue cockpits. As a result, a widening technology gap has developed between Advanced Jet Training (AJT) aircraft of the 1970's (such as BAE Hawk TMk1, Aero L39 Albatross and Dassault Alphajet) and modern front-line combat aircraft.
The proliferation of the Unmanned Vehicle System is evidence of a new path for defence and security. What is the future for these systems and how will technological advances develop for either homeland security or defence missions?…
The politicization of Canada’s Defence procurement process continued with the recent announcement of a $4.6 billion plan for 16 new aircraft to replace Canada’s fleet of old C-130 Hercules tactical transports just on the eve of the federal election.
Canada’s armed forces are transforming. As outlined in the 2005 Defence Policy Statement, the transformation centres on encouraging innovation, promoting efficiency, and above all, on instigating a “fundamental change in military culture.”
Over the years, various procedures have been followed when purchasing military equipment, from long and costly procedures to replace the Sea King helicopters, to the purchase of 16 tactical aircraft at a cost of close to $5 billion.
Last month, Defence R&D Canada (DRDC) led international surveillance-oriented trials off the coast of Nova Scotia. The 3-week long Maritime Sensor Integration Experiment (MARSIE) trial will directly contribute to Canada’s ability to conduct high-tech surveillance and secure its coastal approaches against potential threats and illegal activities.
With its letters and logo emblazoned on the badges of more than 4,300 airport screening officers, most Canadians boarding a flight in this country should recognize the name CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority). Few, however, are fully aware of its critical role in the global security system.
Our neglect in developing a national SAR strategy has left the Canadian North dangerously vulnerable to more fatal accidents, and we may be called to task.
The Canadian Forces’ efforts have turned to replacing the aging and increasingly unavailable fleets of CC-130 Hercules and CC-115 Buffalos. What has happened to the ''fast-tracked'' FWSAR requirement?
Chief Test Pilot, Gianluca Evangelisti, and Test Pilot, Agostino Frediani, have been with the C-27J Spartan program from the start. Both talked to FrontLine’s Peter Pigott at the Alenia Caselle facility about the aircraft.
C-295 to become the Air Force’s new fixed-wing search and rescue aircraft.
Canada has not possessed any capability for Combat Search and Rescue since the end of the Second World War when Canadian squadrons participated in the rescue of many downed allied airmen, however, this may have to change – and very soon.
Its unique flying characteristics make the helicopter ideally suited to search and rescue missions worldwide.
Effectively carrying out Search and Rescue operations is a significant asset that the Canadian Forces work diligently to maintain.
Canada’s area of responsibility for SAR covers over 15.5 million square kilometres, of which over 60% is above the tree line. Given those facts, training for arctic rescue is critical to ensure an appropriate response to distresses in that region. Arctic SAREX is a testament to the Canadian Forces’ dedication that others may live.
There is only one way to ensure that Canadian sovereignty is protected, and that is through the ability of the nation to exercise joint military power in concert with a strong foreign policy and an able diplomatic service.
Because Canadians no longer live in a “fire-proof house” perhaps now might be the right occasion to pay heed to the words of Liddell Hart: “A self contained and sea-based amphibious force is the best kind of fire extinguisher because of its flexibility, reliability, logistics simplicity and relative economy.”
Canada’s new Defence Policy is a bold and innovative approach to peace and security in the 21st century.
Canada’s newest Chief of the Air Staff explains how the transformed Air Force will reposition itself to effectively respond to threats faced in today’s world.
The revolutionary new way of contracting for the Air Force, Optimized Weapons System Support Management, puts more responsibility on industry, but they also gain in the global market by becoming “best of breed.”
There is a growing demand for military transport aircraft. The world’s Air Forces will take delivery of 922 new transports valued at US$53 billion. FrontLine reviews three aircraft that could handle the CF requirements: Lockheed C-130J, Boeing C-17, and the Airbus A400M.
The latest model is the C-130J, and it represents a nearly complete reinvention of the Hercules.
There is a growing demand for military transport aircraft. The world's Air Forces will take delivery of 922 new transports valued at US$53 billion. FrontLine reviews three aircrafts that could handle the CF requirements: Lockheed C-130J, Boeing C-17, and the Airbus A400M.
Modeling and Simulation (M&S) is a key component of the wide-ranging program of transformation (including advanced mission training) in Canada’s Air Force today. Numerous M&S projects, sponsored by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), are intended to increase air power capabilities affordably and effectively.
No sovereign nation with the size and location of Canada can be without a balanced military. “Boots on the ground” is the current buzz phrase. Do we need more and better equipped soldiers?
On the world scene, emerging threats to security, coupled with the rapid pace of technological change, meant our procurement decisions were becoming more critical than ever. Increasingly, our military success depended on deployment speed, interoperability with allies, and leading edge equipment.
Combining previous experience in volatile countries with his service in Afghanistan as Commander of the multinational International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in 2004, LGen Rick Hillier is well positioned to transfer lessons learned fighting rebel forces to the new Army transformation and regeneration process.
It's unfortunate that the subject of military spending is almost always precipitated by a tragic incident within our armed forces or their inability to respond when needed. This latest tragedy should be a wake up call that we need to seriously examine how we equip our military to represent our nation to the world.
FrontLine had the opportunity to chat with the Commandant about the Atlantic Littoral ISR Experiment (ALIX), the largest major undertaking in the ongoing CFEC program.
As the exclusive flight test agency of the Canadian Forces, the AETE conducts a wide variety of flight and ground testing involving every aircraft and helicopter type in the Canadian inventory.
With development costs for modern fighters rising, commonality and outsourcing to multiple allies has become the norm.
Operation Iraqi Freedom, while not a model for future conflict, still provides pointers to how far the US has progressed along the path to fielding capabilities that are increasingly important in the emerging American way of war.
Unmanned systems are becoming apart of our lives now.
Lockheed Martin and Alenia conceived an updated variant of the G222.
How would you summarize the Typhoon as an aircraft?
Multinational flying packages which are becoming common in military operations today. The NFTC offers participating air forces a three-phase training programme for their future fighter pilots using state-of-art software and equipment.
The current state of Canada's air mobility fleet is an area of concern. The renewal of our air-to-air refuelling role will greatly enhance the contribution that our air mobility and fighter forces can make in the implementation of the Government’s foreign and domestic policy goals.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., was awarded a Canadian Forces contract to deploy its ALTAIR unmanned aircraft, a Predator B variant, in support of the Atlantic Littoral Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance Experiment (ALIX).
There is widespread consensus that NATO must change, that it must modernize and transform into a rapidly deployable force able to operate anywhere at a moment’s notice.
Thanks to the timely work of a new association called UVS Canada and their first major conference, "Momentum 2003," held recently in Ottawa, there is now a focus and a platform for the kind of collaboration necessary to start exploring this potential.