#rcaf — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #rcaf, aggregated by home.social.
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Photo Of The Day 8th August 2026.
Gat On A Sat 8th August 2026.https://mancavgeek.co.uk/2026/08/08/photo-of-the-day-8th-august-2026/
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Photo Of The Day 8th August 2026.
Gat On A Sat 8th August 2026.https://mancavgeek.co.uk/2026/08/08/photo-of-the-day-8th-august-2026/
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If anyone knows any #drone designers, builders, or pilots in #Ukraine, I have an idea I hope at least some will take up:
One way Ukraine could raise more funds is to start designing and producing fire-fighting drones for small just-started #wildfires and for structure protection ahead of wildfires, for rapid deployment before large assets can arrive, and developing training for their use, then selling these to aligned countries such as #Canada. For example, the BC #Wildfire Service could use a few thousand of those, to knock down small fires immediately after lightning strikes, and to douse houses and other structures in fire retardant as soon as residents evacuate each house ahead of an approaching fire.
These assets would of course necessarily clear out as large assets arrive, but they could buy time in some cases, and in some cases—upon arriving early enough—could even obviate the need to send large assets at all.
Other related ideas, based on Ukrainian defenders' ingenuity, might also be saleable. Perhaps, for example, someone will design some super-cheap fire retardant dumb-bombs, compatible with the hard points on the CF-18 Hornet, with terminal velocities low enough not to damage a house, so the #RCAF could retardant-bomb a just-evacuated city or First Nation faster than the BCWS can get there. (I imagine a proximity-triggered explosively-deployed non-flammable parachute based on an automotive airbag system, a chassis designed for fragmentation into light pieces, and a small explosive charge just large enough to air-burst the retardant, while halting the rest of the mass mid-air just above the “target,” might be one experiment to try.)
Ukraine is the fastest iterator in the relevant technologies, and is likely the only source that could get it done fast enough. As well as gaining funds to accelerate further growth the #Ukrainian defence-manufacturing capacity, it would become a huge soft-power political gain to ensure continued and expanded international support.
Additionally, putting out some fires and saving some lives could also be a nice change of pace for drone designers, builders, and pilots.
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If anyone knows any #drone designers, builders, or pilots in #Ukraine, I have an idea I hope at least some will take up:
One way Ukraine could raise more funds is to start designing and producing fire-fighting drones for small just-started #wildfires and for structure protection ahead of wildfires, for rapid deployment before large assets can arrive, and developing training for their use, then selling these to aligned countries such as #Canada. For example, the BC #Wildfire Service could use a few thousand of those, to knock down small fires immediately after lightning strikes, and to douse houses and other structures in fire retardant as soon as residents evacuate each house ahead of an approaching fire.
These assets would of course necessarily clear out as large assets arrive, but they could buy time in some cases, and in some cases—upon arriving early enough—could even obviate the need to send large assets at all.
Other related ideas, based on Ukrainian defenders' ingenuity, might also be saleable. Perhaps, for example, someone will design some super-cheap fire retardant dumb-bombs, compatible with the hard points on the CF-18 Hornet, with terminal velocities low enough not to damage a house, so the #RCAF could retardant-bomb a just-evacuated city or First Nation faster than the BCWS can get there. (I imagine a proximity-triggered explosively-deployed non-flammable parachute based on an automotive airbag system, a chassis designed for fragmentation into light pieces, and a small explosive charge just large enough to air-burst the retardant, while halting the rest of the mass mid-air just above the “target,” might be one experiment to try.)
Ukraine is the fastest iterator in the relevant technologies, and is likely the only source that could get it done fast enough. As well as gaining funds to accelerate further growth the #Ukrainian defence-manufacturing capacity, it would become a huge soft-power political gain to ensure continued and expanded international support.
Additionally, putting out some fires and saving some lives could also be a nice change of pace for drone designers, builders, and pilots.
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Sidewinder Thursday Way Point C-J The Force will be with you Always: Remembering Star Wars Canyon and the Jedi Transition RCAF in tha house CC-130J 130602 July 2018. #USAF #StarWars #JediTransition #cvvhrn #AvGeek #RCAF #CC130J #photography #R2508 #lowlevel #sidewinder
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Sidewinder Thursday Way Point C-J The Force will be with you Always: Remembering Star Wars Canyon and the Jedi Transition RCAF in tha house CC-130J 130602 July 2018. #USAF #StarWars #JediTransition #cvvhrn #AvGeek #RCAF #CC130J #photography #R2508 #lowlevel #sidewinder
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The 'Alouette' Name: Bird & Bomber Squadron! 🐦✈️
The Montreal Alouettes' name is a double tribute! 'Alouette' comes from a song about a 'skylark' in French, but it also honours the French-Canadian 425th 'Alouette' Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force from World War II. A powerful blend of nature and national history! #Canada #Alouettes #CFLHistory #RCAF
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The 'Alouette' Name: Bird & Bomber Squadron! 🐦✈️
The Montreal Alouettes' name is a double tribute! 'Alouette' comes from a song about a 'skylark' in French, but it also honours the French-Canadian 425th 'Alouette' Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force from World War II. A powerful blend of nature and national history! #Canada #Alouettes #CFLHistory #RCAF
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Canada's First Jet Team: The Blue Devils
The 'Blue Devils' of 410 Squadron were Canada's first jet aerobatic team. Formed in 1949, they flew the de Havilland Vampire, the RCAF's first operational jet fighter, thrilling audiences with the speed of the new jet age. Active for only three seasons, they introduced high-speed precision jet formation flying in Canada. #Canada #RCAF #Aviation #History 🇨🇦
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/410_Tactical_Fighter_Operational_Training_Squadron#Aerobatic_team
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Canada's First Jet Team: The Blue Devils
The 'Blue Devils' of 410 Squadron were Canada's first jet aerobatic team. Formed in 1949, they flew the de Havilland Vampire, the RCAF's first operational jet fighter, thrilling audiences with the speed of the new jet age. Active for only three seasons, they introduced high-speed precision jet formation flying in Canada. #Canada #RCAF #Aviation #History 🇨🇦
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/410_Tactical_Fighter_Operational_Training_Squadron#Aerobatic_team
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From the article: "Hoekstra told CTV News last month that European fighter jets "don't really count as full airplanes" if they don't integrate with the U.S. fleet."
Not only is that NOT a disincentive, they should have parallel systems that absolutely do not interface with American systems that they can switch to in action.
Canada should pre-order 200 if these.
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From the article: "Hoekstra told CTV News last month that European fighter jets "don't really count as full airplanes" if they don't integrate with the U.S. fleet."
Not only is that NOT a disincentive, they should have parallel systems that absolutely do not interface with American systems that they can switch to in action.
Canada should pre-order 200 if these.
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La princesa Leonor de España!
She received a medal from her father, King Felipe VI, upon completion of her 3 years of training in the Spanish Air Force. She recently completed her certificate on the Pilatus PC-21, the same planes Canada will be acquiring soon as their advanced trainers and new planes for the Snowbirds.https://efe.com/espana/2026-07-10/princesa-leonor-recibe-cruz-merito-aeronautico/
#spain #canada #espana #princesaLeonor #felipeVI #caf #rcaf -
La princesa Leonor de España!
She received a medal from her father, King Felipe VI, upon completion of her 3 years of training in the Spanish Air Force. She recently completed her certificate on the Pilatus PC-21, the same planes Canada will be acquiring soon as their advanced trainers and new planes for the Snowbirds.https://efe.com/espana/2026-07-10/princesa-leonor-recibe-cruz-merito-aeronautico/
#spain #canada #espana #princesaLeonor #felipeVI #caf #rcaf -
Canada's First Jet Team: The Blue Devils
The 'Blue Devils' of 410 Squadron were Canada's first jet aerobatic team. Formed in 1949, they flew the de Havilland Vampire, the RCAF's first operational jet fighter, thrilling audiences with the speed of the new jet age. Active for only three seasons, they introduced high-speed precision jet formation flying in Canada. #Canada #RCAF #Aviation #History 🇨🇦
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/410_Tactical_Fighter_Operational_Training_Squadron#Aerobatic_team
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Canada's First Jet Team: The Blue Devils
The 'Blue Devils' of 410 Squadron were Canada's first jet aerobatic team. Formed in 1949, they flew the de Havilland Vampire, the RCAF's first operational jet fighter, thrilling audiences with the speed of the new jet age. Active for only three seasons, they introduced high-speed precision jet formation flying in Canada. #Canada #RCAF #Aviation #History 🇨🇦
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/410_Tactical_Fighter_Operational_Training_Squadron#Aerobatic_team
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Canada's First Air Stars: The Siskins
The RCAF's first official aerobatic team was the Siskins, formed in 1929. Flying Armstrong Whitworth Siskin biplanes, the three-pilot team amazed crowds across North America, including at the prestigious National Air Races in the US. They pioneered precision formation flying in Canada's air force but were disbanded in 1932 due to Great Depression budget cuts. #Canada #RCAF #VintageAviation #Aviation #History 🇨🇦
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Canada's First Air Stars: The Siskins
The RCAF's first official aerobatic team was the Siskins, formed in 1929. Flying Armstrong Whitworth Siskin biplanes, the three-pilot team amazed crowds across North America, including at the prestigious National Air Races in the US. They pioneered precision formation flying in Canada's air force but were disbanded in 1932 due to Great Depression budget cuts. #Canada #RCAF #VintageAviation #Aviation #History 🇨🇦
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The People's Choice: Naming the Snowbirds
Canada’s iconic Snowbirds weren't named by the military. After their 1971 season, a contest was held at a CFB Moose Jaw elementary school, with 'Snowbirds' as the winning entry. The team, officially 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, began as a temporary base flying club, but public adoration secured their permanent status as a national icon. #Canada #Snowbirds #RCAF #Aviation #AirShow 🇨🇦
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The People's Choice: Naming the Snowbirds
Canada’s iconic Snowbirds weren't named by the military. After their 1971 season, a contest was held at a CFB Moose Jaw elementary school, with 'Snowbirds' as the winning entry. The team, officially 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, began as a temporary base flying club, but public adoration secured their permanent status as a national icon. #Canada #Snowbirds #RCAF #Aviation #AirShow 🇨🇦
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Canada's First Air Stars: The Siskins
The RCAF's first official aerobatic team was the Siskins, formed in 1929. Flying Armstrong Whitworth Siskin biplanes, the three-pilot team amazed crowds across North America, including at the prestigious National Air Races in the US. They pioneered precision formation flying in Canada's air force but were disbanded in 1932 due to Great Depression budget cuts. #Canada #RCAF #VintageAviation #Aviation #History 🇨🇦
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RCAF 🇨🇦 ARC, CC-177 Globemaster III
Back garden video clip from 2 miles distance, arriving Belfast from Poland tonight
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RCAF 🇨🇦 ARC, CC-177 Globemaster III
Back garden video clip from 2 miles distance, arriving Belfast from Poland tonight
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Canada's First Jet Team: The Blue Devils
The 'Blue Devils' of 410 Squadron were Canada's first jet aerobatic team. Formed in 1949, they flew the de Havilland Vampire, the RCAF's first operational jet fighter, thrilling audiences with the speed of the new jet age. Active for only three seasons, they introduced high-speed precision jet formation flying in Canada. #Canada #RCAF #Aviation #History 🇨🇦
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/410_Tactical_Fighter_Operational_Training_Squadron#Aerobatic_team
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Canada's First Jet Team: The Blue Devils
The 'Blue Devils' of 410 Squadron were Canada's first jet aerobatic team. Formed in 1949, they flew the de Havilland Vampire, the RCAF's first operational jet fighter, thrilling audiences with the speed of the new jet age. Active for only three seasons, they introduced high-speed precision jet formation flying in Canada. #Canada #RCAF #Aviation #History 🇨🇦
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/410_Tactical_Fighter_Operational_Training_Squadron#Aerobatic_team
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“Having flown more than 2,500 hours on the CT-114 Tutor, I can say it has been an outstanding aircraft for the RCAF and for the Snowbirds.
The Tutor has served Canada for 66 years, and the team has flown it for more than five decades.
I recently had the opportunity to fly the Pilatus PC-21 in Switzerland, and I came away extremely impressed. This is not a downgrade from a jet to a turboprop; frankly, that argument misses the point entirely.”
#canpoli #rcaf #snowbirds #pc21 #cdnpoli
https://skiesmag.com/opinions/a-pilots-take-why-the-snowbirds-new-turboprop-is-the-right-choice/ -
“Having flown more than 2,500 hours on the CT-114 Tutor, I can say it has been an outstanding aircraft for the RCAF and for the Snowbirds.
The Tutor has served Canada for 66 years, and the team has flown it for more than five decades.
I recently had the opportunity to fly the Pilatus PC-21 in Switzerland, and I came away extremely impressed. This is not a downgrade from a jet to a turboprop; frankly, that argument misses the point entirely.”
#canpoli #rcaf #snowbirds #pc21 #cdnpoli
https://skiesmag.com/opinions/a-pilots-take-why-the-snowbirds-new-turboprop-is-the-right-choice/ -
The Red Knight: A Solo Spectacle
Not all of Canada's air displays were full teams. The Red Knight was a solo performer from 1958 to 1969. The pilot, always an experienced RCAF instructor, flew a T-33 Silver Star jet painted brilliant red. The Red Knight brought aerobatics to smaller towns and airshows that couldn't host a full formation team, becoming a unique and beloved part of Canada's aviation heritage. #Canada #RCAF #ColdWar #Aviation 🇨🇦
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The Red Knight: A Solo Spectacle
Not all of Canada's air displays were full teams. The Red Knight was a solo performer from 1958 to 1969. The pilot, always an experienced RCAF instructor, flew a T-33 Silver Star jet painted brilliant red. The Red Knight brought aerobatics to smaller towns and airshows that couldn't host a full formation team, becoming a unique and beloved part of Canada's aviation heritage. #Canada #RCAF #ColdWar #Aviation 🇨🇦
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The Snowbirds
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Les Snowbirds -
The Snowbirds
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Les Snowbirds -
Me and My Shadow Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130J 130602 as it begins its Star Wars Canyon approach while its shadow chases it ,July 2018. #milair #AvGeek #aircraft #Nikon #low #lowlevel #starwars #jeditransition #starwarscanyon #rcaf #canada #hercules #c130 #c130hercules #sidewinder #r2508
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Me and My Shadow Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130J 130602 as it begins its Star Wars Canyon approach while its shadow chases it ,July 2018. #milair #AvGeek #aircraft #Nikon #low #lowlevel #starwars #jeditransition #starwarscanyon #rcaf #canada #hercules #c130 #c130hercules #sidewinder #r2508
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SOUND UP! What it looks like to the naked eye when a flight of 3 RCAF CF-18's tangle high over the Panamint Valley, California. October 2022 #RCAF #Canada #CF18 #hornet #R2508 #Sidewinder #milair #aviationphotography #planespotting #AvGeek #spotter #photography #Nikon #aircraft #cvvhrn
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SOUND UP! What it looks like to the naked eye when a flight of 3 RCAF CF-18's tangle high over the Panamint Valley, California. October 2022 #RCAF #Canada #CF18 #hornet #R2508 #Sidewinder #milair #aviationphotography #planespotting #AvGeek #spotter #photography #Nikon #aircraft #cvvhrn
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a flight of 3 RCAF CF-18's tangle high over the Panamint Valley, California. October 2022 #RCAF #Canada #CF18 #hornet #R2508 #Sidewinder #milair #aviationphotography #planespotting #AvGeek #spotter #photography #Nikon #aircraft
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a flight of 3 RCAF CF-18's tangle high over the Panamint Valley, California. October 2022 #RCAF #Canada #CF18 #hornet #R2508 #Sidewinder #milair #aviationphotography #planespotting #AvGeek #spotter #photography #Nikon #aircraft
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RCAF CC-130J 617 in Star Wars Canyon July 2018 #RCAF #Canada #Eh #lowlevelflying #lowflyingaircraft #avgeek #lowflying #nikon #jetsinthewild #CC130J #sidewinderlowlevel #jedi #starwarscanyon #jeditransition #sidewinder #cvvhrn #R2508
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RCAF CC-130J 617 in Star Wars Canyon July 2018 #RCAF #Canada #Eh #lowlevelflying #lowflyingaircraft #avgeek #lowflying #nikon #jetsinthewild #CC130J #sidewinderlowlevel #jedi #starwarscanyon #jeditransition #sidewinder #cvvhrn #R2508
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RCAF CC-130J 617 dips below the ridge after aborting a Star Wars run July 2018 #RCAF #Canada #Eh #lowlevelflying #lowflyingaircraft #avgeek #lowflying #nikon #jetsinthewild #CC130J #sidewinderlowlevel #jedi #starwarscanyon #jeditransition #sidewinder #cvvhrn #R2508
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RCAF CC-130J 617 dips below the ridge after aborting a Star Wars run July 2018 #RCAF #Canada #Eh #lowlevelflying #lowflyingaircraft #avgeek #lowflying #nikon #jetsinthewild #CC130J #sidewinderlowlevel #jedi #starwarscanyon #jeditransition #sidewinder #cvvhrn #R2508
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Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130J 130602 as it begins its Star Wars Canyon run, July 2018. #milair #AvGeek #aircraft #Nikon #low #lowlevel #starwars #jeditransition #starwarscanyon #rcaf #canada #hercules #c130 #c130hercules #sidewinder #r2508
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Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130J 130602 as it begins its Star Wars Canyon run, July 2018. #milair #AvGeek #aircraft #Nikon #low #lowlevel #starwars #jeditransition #starwarscanyon #rcaf #canada #hercules #c130 #c130hercules #sidewinder #r2508
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Here's a quick comparison:
Both are 2 seaters. The CT-157 is a little bigger, but near the same performance as the Tutor jet.CT-114 Tutor / CT-157 Siskin II
Length: 9.75m / 11.23m
Wingspan: 11.07m / 9.11m
Height: 2.8m / 3.7mMax Takeoff Weight: 4990kg / 4250kg
Powerpant: Orenda J85 Turbojet / PW Canada PT6A-68B TurpopropMax Speed: 782kph / 685kph
Range: 1519km / 1333km
Celing: 13,600m / 11,580m
Rate of Climb: 21.4 m/s / 20.3m/s -
Here's a quick comparison:
Both are 2 seaters. The CT-157 is a little bigger, but near the same performance as the Tutor jet.CT-114 Tutor / CT-157 Siskin II
Length: 9.75m / 11.23m
Wingspan: 11.07m / 9.11m
Height: 2.8m / 3.7mMax Takeoff Weight: 4990kg / 4250kg
Powerpant: Orenda J85 Turbojet / PW Canada PT6A-68B TurpopropMax Speed: 782kph / 685kph
Range: 1519km / 1333km
Celing: 13,600m / 11,580m
Rate of Climb: 21.4 m/s / 20.3m/s -
According to Wiki, the Pilatus PC-21 is being used as training fleet for the air forces of:
Australia
France
Jordan
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Spain
Switzerland
UAE
Indonesia (in future) -
According to Wiki, the Pilatus PC-21 is being used as training fleet for the air forces of:
Australia
France
Jordan
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Spain
Switzerland
UAE
Indonesia (in future) -
And there you have it, the old "Tutor" planes of the Snowbirds will be officially retired after this flying season.
The squadron will be replaced by 2030 according to Minister McGuinty with the CT-157 Siskin II.
It is a turbo-prob plane now moving into place as the RCAF's primary training aircraft.
It is a Swiss-made Pilatus PC-21 aircraft. Last week, the first CT-157 achieved "factory acceptance”, so the timing is no coincidence I'm sure. Looks like these will be the new snowbirds in 2030.
Full CT-157 Siskin II info here:
https://canadiandefencereview.com/skyalyne-completes-factory-acceptance-of-first-rcaf-ct-157-siskin-ii/CBC report on announcement of CT-114 Tutor retirement and Snowbird program pause here:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/snowbirds-grounded-2030s-9.7204210