NFTC orders more Hawks as RAF signs for NATO training

The Royal Air Force is to join the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) scheme, becoming the third customer for the programme after Canada and Denmark.

The RAF will send up to 20 pilots over 10 years, beginning in 2001, to take part in the tactics and weapons element of the course, which will provide the equivalent of the RAF's Tactical Weapons Unit training. Seven RAF instructors will also join the programme.

The UK addition to the programme means that NFTC is to buy two British Aerospace Hawk 115 two-seat advanced trainer aircraft to support the extra training requirement in addition to the 18 already ordered. This brings the total value of NFTC Hawk orders to £400 million ($660 million). Deliveries are to begin this year.

Further interest in NFTC is expected from Italy, Norway, Singapore and Switzerland.

NFTC was set up by the Canadian Government and a Bombardier-led industry team. In 1997, Canada approved a 20 year $2.86 billion deal with Bombardier to support NFTC.

Source: Flight International