13 September 2021

Babcock, Leonardo expand FAcT team for Canada

by Gareth Jennings

Leonardo has previously said that the M-345 High Efficiency Trainer (HET) aircraft may form part of its FAcT bid for Canada. (Leonardo)

Babcock and Leonardo have expanded their team to compete for Canada's Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) programme, with three new companies added on 10 September.

Having announced their collaboration as Babcock Leonardo Canadian Aircrew Training in May, the two companies have now added FlightSafety International (FSI), L3Harris Technologies, and Top Aces as strategic partners for the FAcT competition that covers all facets of Canada's military flight-training requirements.

As noted by the prime contractors, FlightSafety International is a professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems, and displays to commercial, government, and military organisations; L3Harris is one of Canada's largest and most diverse defence and security companies; while Ottawa-based Top Aces provides advanced adversary and joint terminal attack controller training to air forces around the world.

A formal request for proposals (RFP) for FAcT expected this year, with a contract award following in 2023. Given the high-profile withdrawals of Airbus, BAE Systems, and Lockheed Martin from the programme, only Babcock Leonardo and SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership are competing for the FAcT requirement.

One contract will be issued to cover all the requirements, including maintenance and infrastructure services. The contract period is expected to be at least 20 years. Flight training services are located at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta; Southport (formerly known as Canadian Forces Base Portage la Prairie), Manitoba; and 17 Wing, Winnipeg. FAcT services will continue at these same locations, the government has said.

Babcock and Leonardo have expanded their team to compete for Canada's Future Aircrew Training (FAcT)...

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