CT-102B Astra II
(RCAF Photo)
CT-102B Astra II (Serial No. 201), Gatineau, Quebec, 11 Sep 2025. The first two CT-102B Astra II aircraft have touched down in Gatineau, Quebec, after a successful ferry flight from the Grob factory in Germany with stops in Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, and Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador. The first of 23 Astra IIs heading to 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, these aircraft will form the backbone of the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. Once FAcT is fully operational, every future RCAF pilot will begin their flying career on the Astra II, before eventually advancing to frontline aircraft like the CF-35A Lightning II and CP-8A Poseidon. The CT-102B fleet is owned by the RCAF and loaned to industry partner Team Skyalyne under a contracted training and support arrangement.
The CT-102B Astra II 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)
(RCAF Photo)
CT-102B Astra II (Grob G 120TP), (Serial No. 202). The CT-102B Astra II features greater speed, flying altitude and performance that will help prepare pilots to fly the sophisticated RCAF aircraft of today and the future.