Aircraft
Training Aircraft and Simulators
The school has assembled a unique and diverse fleet of training aircraft, including the British Hawker Hunter T75, Aero Vodochody L-39C and L-29, Bombardier Challenger 601 and Embraer Phenom 100 and 300 models, as well as MBB BO- 105M and Bell 206 helicopters, among others. The L-39 Albatros fleet have been upgraded with full-color touchscreen displays and hands-on throttle and stick controls. Simulation is heavily incorporated into all training programs, and the school employs virtual reality (VR) to boost training effectiveness.
Variable Stability Flying
ITPS uses the National Research Council of Canada’s (NRC’s) Bell 212 variable stability helicopter as an invaluable tool for training students on how to assess handling qualities. Equipped with digital fly-by-wire systems that adjust the helicopters’ flying characteristics in flight. For fixed wing students, ITPS uses CALSPAN’s Lear 25’s that are configured with a digital flight control systems which is re-configurable in-flight to demonstrate varying degrees of stability in three axes. The evaluating pilot station is equipped with both a centre stick and side stick inceptors, both programmable to show the impact of inceptor ergonomics and characteristics on handling qualities.
Simulators
ITPS puts the emphasis on technology. The school employs modern avionics, head-up display (HUD) technology, tactical datalink, live virtual constructive training and advanced simulation systems to enhance its flight test training programs. Simulators – including F-18 and Boeing 787 units – are used throughout the test pilot and flight test engineer training programs.
They facilitate instruction in electronic flight information and HUD systems evaluation, fly-by-wire flight control laws, autopilot and flight management systems assessment. ITPS has also contracted with CAE’s Toronto training centre to access a number of simulators for test pilot school exercises.
Fleets
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Hawker Hunter T75
The iconic Hawker Hunter is a transonic British jet fighter and advanced jet trainer. Close to 2000 were produced for operations with the Royal Air Force and many air forces around the world. The Hunter is still flying in some numbers with RED AIR operators as a reliable and supportable asset. The type is seeing a resurgence with many more being brought back into service. The Hunter has a long history as a trainer for test pilots. Its transonic capabilities, excellent handling qualities and large operating envelope make it useful and relevant still, today. The two-seat trainer’s side by side seating further makes it uniquely useful in a flight test training environment as do its spinning characteristics. ITPS has purchased two Hawker Hunter trainers, WV318 a T75 (pictured) and XL616 a T7. Both will receive extensive cockpit upgrades and be instrumented for flight tests over the next twelve months. XL616 will be the host for the Advanced Human Machine Interface Research System, (AHMIRS) being developed in collaboration with Ryerson University in Toronto.
The Hawker Hunter T7 is powered by a Rolls Royce Avon, Series 100 engine and has a Vmo of 620 KIAS or Mach .94 at sea level and a service ceiling of 50,000 feet.
Courses
Aero Vodochody L-39C
Aero Vodochody’s L-39 is the most widely operated jet trainer in the world and remains in service with a number of air arms. ITPS’s L-39 C-GTOZ above, has been upgraded with an Electronic Flight Information System and data acquisition. The aircraft is employed for Performance, Flying Qualities and Avionics Systems assessment exercises. The L-39C is powered by an AI25-TL turbofan engine and can attain a maximum Mach number of 0.8 and a service ceiling of 36000 ft.
Courses
- Graduate Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-1
- Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer course EASA CAT-1
- Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-2
- Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course, Military EASA CAT-2
- Certificate Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Avionics Course (Military)
Aero Vodochody L-29
The Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin was the standard trainer of the former Soviet East block air forces and over 3000 were built. ITPS operates two Delfins, both extensively overhauled airframes, equipped with a Curtiss Wright KAM 500 data acquisition and a telemetry system. They type is used for performance, flying qualities, loads and stores certification exercises. The L-29 is powered by a Motorlet M701 turbojet and can attain a maximum Mach 0.785 and a ceiling of 36000 feet
Courses
MBB BO-105M
MBB BO-105M
The twin-turbine machine is an ideal test pilot school training platform due to its rigid main rotor head, which gives it great maneuverability and agility. The helicopter will be fully instrumented over the coming months for performance and flying qualities flight tests including a TM link.
Courses
- Graduate Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-1
- Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer course EASA CAT-1
- Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-2
- Certificate Flight Test Course - Fixed Wing or Rotary Wing, Civil or Military
- Certificate Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Avionics Course (Military)
- Flight Test Instrumentation Course
- Operational Test and Evaluation Course
- Rotary Wing Flying Qualities Flight Tests
Bell 206B Jet Ranger
B206 Helicopter
Bell 206B Jet Ranger. This ubiquitous turbine training helicopter is in use by the Canadian Forces, US Army and numerous air arms around the world. The B206 is highly reliable and efficient ensuring smooth progression of the training.
Courses
- Graduate Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-1
- Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-2
- Certificate Flight Test Course - Fixed Wing or Rotary Wing, Civil or Military
- Certificate Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Avionics Course (Military)
- Operational Test and Evaluation Course
Sikorsky S76C+
The Sikorsky S76C+ is an American medium-size commercial utility helicopter, manufactured by the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. The S76C+ features twin turboshaft engines, four-bladed main and tail rotors, and retractable landing gear.General characteristics
- Crew: two
- Capacity: 13 passengers
- Length: 52 ft 6 in (16 m) from tip of main rotor to tip of tail rotor
- Width: 10 ft 0 in (3.05 m) at horizontal stabilizer
- Height: 14 ft 6 in (4.42 m) to tip of tail rotor
- Empty weight: 7,005 lb (3,177 kg) in utility configuration
- Gross weight: 11,700 lb (5,306 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 281 US gallons (1,064 liters), with 50 or 102 US gallons (189 or 386 liters) available in extra auxiliary tanks
- Powerplant: Safran Helicopter Engines Arriel 2S1 Turboshaft, 871 Shp (650 kW)
- Main rotor diameter: 44 ft 0 in (13.41 m)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 155 kn (178 mph, 287 km/h) at maximum takeoff weight at sea level in standard atmospheric conditions
- Cruise speed: 155 kn (178 mph, 287 km/h) maximum cruise speed is the same as maximum speed
- Range: 411 nmi (473 mi, 761 km) no reserves, at long-range cruise speed at 4,000 ft altitude
- Service ceiling: 13,800 ft (4,200 m)
Avionics
- Honeywell four-tube EFIS and Collins Proline II avionics suite
- Four-axis fully coupled autopilot
- Integrated Instrument Display System (IIDS)
- Honeywell ground proximity warning system
- Honeywell Primus weather radar
- Dual comm/nav radios
- Automatic direction finder
- Dual attitude and heading reference system and air data computers
- Radio altimeter
- Mode C transponder
- Dual VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) and Instrument landing system (ILS)
- Distance measuring equipment
- Cockpit voice recorder
Courses
B60 Duke
BEECHCRAFT B60 DUKE
The B60 Duke is an American twin-engine aircraft with a pressurized cabin and two piston turbocharged engines. The aircraft features a very roomy cabin, glass cockpit, large aircraft feel, with benign handling qualities. The ITPS example is an early production model and has been fully instrumented for performance, flying qualities and loads flight tests. It has been equipped with telemetry and two flight test engineer stations allowing real time monitoring of key parameters. The B60 is powered by two Avco Lycoming TIO-540-R2AD flat-six piston engines of 340 hp each. Its performance features a maximum speed of 246 KIAS a range of 850 nautical miles and a service ceiling of 30,000 feet.
Courses
- Graduate Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-1
- Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer course EASA CAT-1
- Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-2
- Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course, Military EASA CAT-2
- Certificate Flight Test Course - Fixed Wing or Rotary Wing, Civil or Military
- Operational Test and Evaluation Course
- Introduction to Fixed Wing Flight Tests
- Avionics Systems Flight Tests (Civil)
Cirrus SR22
The Cirrus SR22 is a four-seat all-composite general aviation aircraft first certified in 2000. The aircraft features a “glass cockpit” and autopilot. It is equipped with sidestick controls and a ballistic recovery parachute. The ITPS Cirrus is used for flight test techniques demonstrations as well as displays and avionics assessments. Onboard data acquisition allows recording of key parameters and repeater displays for the rear-seat crew member. The Cirrus is powered by a Continental IO-550-N of 310 hp endowing it with a Cruise speed: 183 KIAS a Range: 1,049 nm with reserves at 65% power and a Service ceiling of 17,500 ft.
Courses
- Graduate Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course EASA CAT-1
- Diploma Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Course, Military EASA CAT-2
- Certificate Flight Test Course - Fixed Wing or Rotary Wing, Civil or Military
- Operational Test and Evaluation Course
- Introduction to Fixed Wing Flight Tests
- Introduction to UAS Testing
- Avionics Systems Flight Tests (Civil)
IAR 823 Brasov
The IAR823 is a Romanian built military basic trainer. It is a four-seat metal construction aerobatic aircraft that first flew in 1974. The aircraft features conventional controls and an analogue cockpit. The IAR823 at ITPS is used for flight test techniques demonstrations for flight test engineers and spin testing demonstrations to pilots and engineers. Onboard data acquisition allows recording of key parameters and reconstruction of the spin post-flight. The IAR823 has a Maximum Take Off Weight of 3307 lb and is powered by a Lycoming IO-540-G1D5 air-cooled flat-six engine, producing 290 hp. The performance includes a maximum speed of 167 KIAS, range of 972 nm and a service ceiling of 18400. The airframe is stressed for +6, -3G.
Courses
Variable Stability Bell 212
NRC Rotor Wing Variable Stability Bell 212 equipped with a digital fly by wire flight control system. The Variable Stability Helicopters are a powerful tool for training test pilots in the skill of handling quality assessment.
This aircraft is owned and operated by the Canadian National Research Council and is rented by ITPS under a commercial agreement with the company.
Agusta Westland AW119Ke
An eight-seat utility helicopter powered by a single turbo-shaft engine for the civil market. Used for Performance, Flying Qualities, test techniques instruction, evaluations/data flights, PORTABLE FLIGHT DATA RECORDER (PFDR), 128 parameters, in flight monitoring of selected parameters.
Embraer Phenom 300
The Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 is a Brazilian light jet able to accommodate 11 occupants. The aircraft first flew in 2008 and was certified in 2009. The aircraft employed by ITPS C-FWTF provides an excellent test pilot training tool with a ceiling of 45000 feet and a modern airliner-like glass cockpit and systems, but with much lower operating costs resulting in outstanding training value. The EMB-505 has a maximum takeoff weight of 17,968 lb. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E turbofans, of 3,360 lbf thrust each. The aircraft’s performance Maximum speed of 450 KIAS, Mmo of M 0.79 a service ceiling of 45000 feet and range of 1971 nm with reserves. Belgian AF student pictured during his final project evaluation of the Phenom 300.
This aircraft is owned and operated by FlightPath Charter a charter company based in the Region of Waterloo and is operated by ITPS under a commercial agreement with the company.
Embraer EMB 500 Phenom 100
The Embraer Phenom is a Brazilian very light jet (VLJ). It is a modern aircraft certified in 2007 and equipped with the Embraer Prodigy Touch Flight Deck. The aircraft employed by ITPS C-FLOX is well suited for civil test pilot training featuring modern avionics and autopilot and a useful performance envelope. The aircraft is regularly used for performance, flying qualities and avionics systems testing exercises. The EMB 500 has a Maximum Take Off Weight of 10,582 lb. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617F1-E turbofans. The aircraft’s performance includes a 405 KIAS cruise speed and an Mmo of M 0.7 a service ceiling of 41000 ft and range of 1,178 with reserves.
This aircraft is owned and operated by FlightPath Charter a charter company based in the Region of Waterloo and is operated by ITPS under a commercial agreement with the company.
Courses
Bombardier Challenger 601 3A-ER
The Bombardier Canadair Challenger 601 is a Canadian business jet able to accommodate 11 occupants. The aircraft first flew in 1978 and was certified in 1980. The aircraft employed by ITPS C-GORD provides an excellent test pilot training tool with a ceiling of 41000 feet and EFIS equipped cockpit including Flight Management System (FMS) autopilot and weather RADAR. The Challenger 601 has a maximum takeoff weight of 48200 lb. It is powered by two General Electric CF34-3B turbofans, of 9220 lbf thrust each. The aircraft’s performance Maximum speed of 490 KIAS, Mmo of M 0.85 a service ceiling of 41000 feet and range of 4000 nm with reserves.
This aircraft is owned and operated by FlightPath Charter a charter company based in the Region of Waterloo and is operated by ITPS under a commercial agreement with the company.
Grumman HU-16 Albatross
The Grumman HU-16 Albatross is an amphibian flying boat which first flew in 1947. The type saw extensive service with a number of air forces around the world including the Royal Canadian Air Force. ITPS’s HU16 was procured to support the training of seaplane test pilots and has been equipped with sensors and data acquisition for performance and flying and on the water handling qualities testing. The aircraft is also equipped with an external video system to record water spray characteristics. The Grumman HU-16 Albatross has a maximum Take Off Weight 37,500 lb. It is powered by two Wright R-1820-76 Cyclone 9 nine-cylinder single-row air-cooled radial engines, producing 1,425 hp each. Its performance includes a maximum speed of 205 knots, cruise speed of 108 KIAS a service ceiling of 21500 ft and range of 2478 nm.
Diamond DA20 C-1 Eclipse
The Diamond Aircraft DA-20 is a two seat all composite general aviation aircraft first flew in 1993. The aircraft features excellent visibility through an aft hinged bubble canopy It is equipped with conventional controls and an analogue cockpit. The DA20 at ITPS is used for flight test techniques demonstrations for flight test engineers and spin testing demonstrations to pilots and engineers. On board data acquisition allows recording of key parameters and reconstruction of the spin post-flight. The DA20 has a Gross weight of 1,764 lb and is powered by a Continental IO-240-B3B four cylinder horizontally opposed piston aircraft engine of 125 hp. The performance includes a cruise speed of 138 KIAS, range of 547 nm and a service ceiling of 13120 ft.
Squirrel AS355
Used for Performance, Flying Qualities, test techniques instruction evaluations/data flights, PORTABLE FLIGHT DATA RECORDER (PFDR), 128 parameters, in-flight monitoring of selected parameters.
Courses
Diamond DA42-L360
The Diamond DA42 is an all composite, four seat twin engine propeller aircraft. The aircraft features an innovative design and a Garmin G1000 glass cockpit with autopilot. The North American L-360 version is powered by Lycoming gasoline powered engine unlike the European version which is equipped with diesel engines. The aircraft is used at ITPS for Vmca determination demonstrations as well as for performance and flying qualities flight test techniques demonstrations and flight exercises. The glass cockpit also renders it useful for avionics systems and autopilot testing exercises. The DA-42 L360 has a Gross Weight of 3,748 lb and is powered by two Lycoming IO-360 of 180 hp each. The airplane performance includes a maximum speed of 192 KIAS, range of 914 nm and a service ceiling of 18000 ft.
Calspan Lear 25 Variable Stability System
ITPS has collaborated with CALSPAN since its inception in 1986. To this day the Variable Stability demonstrations and Higher-order Flight Controls Systems flights are a highlight of the Graduate Test Pilot and Flight test Engineer course. Depending on student number ITPS students and staff deploy to Buffalo New York State in the USA or the Lear jet deploys to London International Airport. CALSPAN’s Lear 25’s are configured with digital flight control systems which is re-configurable in-flight to demonstrate varying degrees of stability in three axes. The evaluating pilot station is equipped with both a centre stick and side-stick inceptors, both programmable to show the impact of inceptor ergonomics and characteristics on handling qualities. The Lear 25 can accommodate an instructor, trainee test pilot and two flight test engineers in the cabin. It is fully instrumented for flight dynamics research and data are available for analysis post flight. The Lear 25 has a Maximum Take Off Weight of 15,000 lbs and is powered by two General Electric CJ610-6 turbojets of 2950 lbf each. The aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of 464 KIAS, Mmo of M 0.81. The aircraft has a service ceiling of 41000 ft and a range of 1767 nm with reserves.
This aircraft is owned and operated by CALSPAN a Flight Research company based in the Niagara Falls Airport in New York state, USA and is rented by ITPS under a commercial agreement with the company.
Courses
Viper Wing F-18 Simulator
Advanced Simulation Systems
The ITTC training facility features these advanced simulators:
F-18 Simulator
- 6 channel 4k 120 hertz display
- Fully functional avionics and weapon system
- Networked to Telemetry room for flight test exercises/rehearsal
F35 Engineering Simulator
- Fully accessible aerodynamic and flight control models
- Real time varying of aerodynamic derivatives
- 6 channel 4k 120 hertz display
- Functional avionics and weapon system including panoramic HMD
- Networked to Telemetry room for flight test exercises/rehearsal
Courses
B787 Engineering Simulator
B787 Simulator
- 3 Channel 4k 120 hertz display
- Sim-Avionics plug in for X-Plane
- Fully representative of modern fly-by-wire transport aircraft
Courses
ITPS F-35 Engineering Simulator
The F-18 simulator features a six-channel high definition semi-dome and is used in a similar way for military students
Courses
Manned RPV Project (MRPV)
Manned RPV Project (MRPV)
- Medium Altitude Long Endurance RPA surrogate
- Representative GCS with RPA pilot and Payload Operator stations
- Fully controllable from Ground Control Station (GCS)
- Modern Electro Optic sensor package
- Instrumented for flight testing
Courses
UAV Fleet
ITPS INFINITY 3 AND 4 UAVs.
These air vehicles have been in service at ITPS since 2014 and have been under constant development to optimise them for the flight test training missions. The 2017 course will also participate in the initial tests of the ITPS Manned Remotely Piloted Aircraft (MRPA) . This vehicle is being developed to allow beyond line of sight RPA operations under current Canadian regulations. The MRPA is a two seat all composite aircraft equipped with UAV autopilot and datalink allowing operations up to 110 km from base. It is also equipped with a stabilised gimbal turret FLIR and video camera for sensors testing.