RCAF Snowbirds 431 Air Demonstration Squadron news

[GTX]

but it is ugly and awkward looking.

Really??

Some more info (and good videos and images here:

Pilatus PC-21 – The Next Generation Training Aircraft

The Pilatus PC-21 offers a revolutionary training platform with advanced avionics, high efficiency, and reduced training costs. Discover more now!

www.pilatus-aircraft.com

 

[airdave]

Really.


It's a personal opinion. (apparently someone else agreed though)
Am I not allowed to have a personal opinion?
I said, it probably makes sense as a good choice for Trainer.
But it's a trainer and it looks like a trainer.
It's designed to be a trainer and as such the aesthetics and aerobatics-team are less of a consideration.
To me it's awkward and ugly, no matter how you wrap it.

The Gnat was a trainer that looked like a cool little jet fighter.
The Tutor was a trainer that looked like a fat little jet fighter.
The only other teams I've seen fly are the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds, and look what they fly.

So sue me, I guess I'm biased towards more attractive aircraft.

Then again, a squad of Warthogs doing aerobatics would be the coolest thing aviation has ever seen!

 

[GTX]

I personally find the PC-21 attractive, certainly more so than the earlier PC-9 or the T-6.

You can actually see examples of them in use by the Roulettes here: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=RAAF+Roulettes

As for only being a trainer, the RAAF actually uses them for FAC style roles as well:

As for using a fighter (even a LIFT) for aerobatic purposes, I think Air Force budgets are far better off keeping such for actual Defence purposes rather than wowing a few spectators at an air show. Jets cost far more than trainers to operate.

 

[smutny]

Really??

I'm with you GTX, it's a great looking airframe. I do hope they keep the ending Battle of Britain maneuver, that'll be epic with sunlight glinting off the props.

The Siskin fits into the Snowbird program well, and as I posted before, they do shows all over Canada, not just the heavily urban areas of the south. The team needs to be able to operate from smaller airports that the "fancy" jets are restricted from due to length and/or logistics support.

One also has to step back and look at the financial stress the RCAF is under right now. Procuring a new trainer fleet, a fighter fleet and coastal patrol fleet. Getting an airframe that will fit into those logistics is paramount to the survival of the team.

I saw the Brazilian Smoke Squadron perform with their Tucano's. Turboprop trainers can do a very impressive show. I've wanted to see a Roulettes demo, they look pretty impressive from what I've seen online. Looking forward to the new Snowbirds in 2030ish.

 

[GTX]

Of course if people want to see the latest combat aircraft in aerobatic teams, perhaps this is where things are heading...:

 

[SaparotRob]

Really.


It's a personal opinion. (apparently someone else agreed though)
Am I not allowed to have a personal opinion?
I said, it probably makes sense as a good choice for Trainer.
But it's a trainer and it looks like a trainer.
It's designed to be a trainer and as such the aesthetics and aerobatics-team are less of a consideration.
To me it's awkward and ugly, no matter how you wrap it.

The Gnat was a trainer that looked like a cool little jet fighter.
The Tutor was a trainer that looked like a fat little jet fighter.
The only other teams I've seen fly are the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds, and look what they fly.

So sue me, I guess I'm biased towards more attractive aircraft.

Then again, a squad of Warthogs doing aerobatics would be the coolest thing aviation has ever seen!

Of course you're allowed an opinion. Once you post one regarding aeronautical aesthetics, however, we all get to chime in. Remember we're all essentially airplane nerds here with strong opinions.
The B-17 is the most beautiful plane to ever fly and the Lancaster has a face like Popeye's.

 

[SaparotRob]

...

Then again, a squad of Warthogs doing aerobatics would be the coolest thing aviation has ever seen!

Roger that!

 

[Greyman]

Well, ITPS Canada just ordered what would have been be my top pick ...

ITPS Canada orders Leonardo M-346 T Block 20 aircraft to expand allied fighter pilot training

ITPS Canada has ordered six Leonardo M-346 T Block 20 advanced jet trainers to support the expansion of NATO and allied tactical fighter pilot training.

defence-industry.eu

 

[Greyman]

Well, ITPS Canada just ordered what would have been be my top pick ...

Announcement today, a faint hope ...

"Canada and Italy are becoming increasingly close in defence and security. To that end, the leaders were pleased to launch negotiations for Canada's purchase of M-346 advanced jet trainer aircraft designed and produced by Leonardo, one of Italy's largest aerospace companies. Leveraging Italian expertise in aerospace and defence, this agreement will enable the Royal Canadian Air Force to train in state-of-the-art equipment and build sovereign training capability."

Prime Minister Carney meets with Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni

The leaders noted ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation across a range of priorities, including critical minerals, energy, defence, and secure supply chains.

www.pm.gc.ca

EDIT: I should note this isn't about the six ITPS Canada ordered. This will be roughly two dozen for Canada itself.

 

[airdave]

Well, ITPS Canada just ordered what would have been be my top pick ...

ITPS Canada orders Leonardo M-346 T Block 20 aircraft to expand allied fighter pilot training

ITPS Canada has ordered six Leonardo M-346 T Block 20 advanced jet trainers to support the expansion of NATO and allied tactical fighter pilot training.

defence-industry.eu

Now this would make for a cool looking Snowbirds team!