Hawks Would Replace 40-Year-Old Tutors

In a release September 15th, Venga Aerospace Systems and ARINC Incorporated, announced a joint proposal to the Canadian government to lease BAE System's Hawk jets to replace the Snowbirds' aging fleet of Tutors.

The Snowbirds are the aerial demonstration team of the Canadian Forces. Their current fleet of Tutor jets is rapidly approaching 40 years old.

The Venga/ARINC proposal provides Canadian Forces with the newer Hawk jet aircraft on a turnkey 20 year lease program. The offer has many operational and safety advantages for the Snowbirds including zero-zero ejection seats, newer avionics and longer range.

Venga says the new jets won't cost any more to operate. Venga President Hirsh Kwinter said, "The Venga/ARINC Snowbirds' aircraft replacement proposal is truly a WIN - WIN situation for all. Our Hawk-based proposal would not only see the Snowbirds flying newer, safer and better performing aircraft, but at a cost that would not exceed the Snowbirds' current operating budget."

ARINC's part of the deal will include ongoing maintenance and future avionics upgrades, as needed.  ARINC Incorporated Vice President Barry Schwoerer says, "We are, of course quite excited and pleased to be associated with Venga Aerospace on this leading edge proposal to update the Snowbirds. In the event that the Venga/ARINC proposal is accepted, ARINC will employ approximately 35 Canadians in Moose Jaw for the proposed 20 years. The Venga Hawk proposal also has ARINC Canada providing all new state of the art glass cockpits for all 18 aircraft."

"We are very excited to be in a position to offer the Canadian Armed Forces with what we believe is a viable solution to the Snowbirds' aging fleet of Tutor jet aircraft," added Kwinter. "The Snowbirds are a true, Canadian icon and should our proposal be accepted, we would be proud to participate in the continuing legacy of what has, and remains, an important part of Canadian aerospace history."

FMI: www.vengasystems.com, www.arinc.com, www.snowbirds.dnd.ca