Canadian Warplanes 5: CT-102B Astra II

CT-102B Astra II

(RCAF Photo)

The Future Aircrew Training program’s basic flying training aircraft is the CT-102B ‘Astra II’. This new aircraft takes its name from the existing CT-102A ‘Astra’ (Grob 120A). Astra is )Latin for ‘Star’ and speaks to the RCAF’s motto “Through Adversity to the Stars”, while acknowledging the growing military importance of the space domain. Pilot training will begin on the CT-102B, an improved version of the CT-102A with updated avionics, higher performance, and a more powerful engine. The fleet of 23 Astra II’s will be based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. (RCAF