Canadian Forces Snowbirds
The Royal Canadian Air Force's Centennial and the Snowbirds' Legacy
Since 1971, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds have proudly upheld the legacy of military aviation excellence as Canada’s elite air demonstration team. In this, the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Centennial year, they continue to demonstrate 100 years of Royal Canadian Air Force excellence at air displays throughout North America.
The Snowbirds signature nine jet precision formation flying is made possible thanks to a highly skilled and dedicated team of pilots, technicians, mobile support equipment operators, resource management support clerks, engineers, a logistics officer, a public affairs officer and our civilian support staff. Together, the members of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds showcase the skill, professionalism and teamwork inherent in all members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are based out of 15 Wing, Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan and are composed of approximately 80 Canadian Armed Forces personnel, 30 of whom will travel to over 20 locations across Canada and the United States for the 2024 season.
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are based out of 15 Wing, Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan and are composed of approximately 80 Canadian Armed Forces personnel, 30 of whom will travel to over 20 locations across Canada and the United States for the 2024 season.
The single General Electric J85 jet engine produces 2,700 pounds of thrust which propels the relatively light aircraft to speeds of over 400 knots. The straight wing design creates a large amount of lift and the controls are finely tuned making it a “classic sports car”- of the air. Despite its age, with the exceptional maintenance it receives from our talented team of technicians, the Tutor is the perfect platform to use as a formation aerobatic demonstration jet.
Content and images provided by the Snowbirds Public Affairs Office.