Canadian Warplanes 5: CT-157 Siskin II

CT-157 Siskin II

(RCAF Photo)

The CT-157 ‘Siskin II,’ is the RCAF’s new high-performance, advanced training aircraft that will be operated as part of the Future Aircrew Training program. Pilots undergoing Advanced Flying Training Fixed-Wing and Advanced Flying Training-Jet programs will train on this game-changing plane before moving on to the multi-engine program in Southport, MB or the Fighter Lead-in Training programs, respectively.The CT-157 is named after the Armstrong Whitworth Siskin – the RCAF’s first true fighter aircraft – the most state-of-the-art of its time and renowned for its aerobatic qualities. In 1930, a three-aircraft formation team named ‘The Siskins’ became the RCAF’s first air demonstration team, performing across eastern Canada and building interest among Canadians in their nascent Air Force. The fleet of 19 Siskin IIs will be based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. (RCAF)