CT-155 Hawk

The CT-155 Hawk was the Fighter Lead-in Training (FLIT) aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) from 2000 to 2024. The plane served as part of the NATO Flying Training in Canada program at 15 Wing Moose Jaw and at 4 Wing Cold Lake with 419 Tactical Fighter Training Squadron.

The aircraft could perform a wide range of high-performance training missions due to its heads-up display, hands-on throttle and stick controls, as well as integrated navigation and targeting systems.

Between 2000 and 2024, 629 students graduated from FLIT on the CT-155, including pilots from Austria, Denmark, Hungary, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Canada. There were also more than 570 students who graduated from Phase III flying training on the Hawk. The fleet amassed 139,000 flying hours in its 24 years in the RCAF.

Canada’s fleet of CT-155 Hawks was a familiar sight in the skies of Saskatchewan and Alberta during its service. RCAF Hawks took part in public flying displays at notable events like the Grey Cup, Canada Day celebrations and air shows.

Upon retirement from service as a Fighter Lead-in trainer aircraft, 15  jets found new life in the RCAF as aircraft maintenance trainers at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering at 16 Wing Borden, while two were reserved for display purposes at Cold Lake and Moose Jaw.

Technical Specifications