Canadair CL-41 Tutor

The Canadair CL-41 Tutor development program was self-financed by the developer, as the Canadian government initially showed no interest in this jet trainer for basic pilot training. Two prototypes were built, featuring Pratt & Whitney JT12A-5 turbojet engines with 10.68 kN of thrust. The first prototype made its maiden flight on January 13, 1960. In September 1961, the Canadian government ordered 190 CL-41A aircraft for the Air Force, designated as CT-114 Tutor.

The aircraft was characterized by side-by-side seating, an upward-opening canopy, shield-type side air brakes, a T-tail, a steerable nose wheel, and a General Electric J85-CAN-40 turbojet engine delivering 12.68 kN of thrust. Deliveries took place between 1963 and 1966.

Variants and Development

Later, the CL-41G emerged as an armed trainer and light attack aircraft. This variant featured a more powerful engine and six underwing hardpoints for armament. The landing gear was modified for operations from unpaved surfaces, and the aircraft was equipped with new seats allowing zero-height ejection.

The second Tutor prototype was fitted with avionics from the F-104G fighter, resulting in the experimental CL-41R trainer. In March 1966, the Royal Malaysian Air Force ordered 20 CL-41G-5s, which the Malaysians named Tebuan (‘Wasp’). These aircraft remained in service from 1967 until the mid-1980s.

Operational Service and Modernizations

The primary operator of the CT-114 Tutor in Canada was the 2nd Flight Training School in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. The first 10 Tutors were modified for the ‘Golden Hawks’ aerobatic team, later renamed the ‘Snowbirds’. The aircraft was also used in the flight instructor school.

In 1976, the Canadian Air Force began implementing a modernization program that included the installation of additional fuel tanks, modern avionics, replacement of the electrical system, and relocation of the icing sensor. Another modernization was carried out in 1994.

In 2000, the Tutors in Canada were replaced by the CT-156 Harvard II and CT-155 Hawk. By the end of 2008, approximately 17 aircraft of this type were still in operation, but they were used exclusively by the ‘Snowbirds’ team and for flight engineering tests at the research institute.

Technical Specifications

Image and diagram gallery of the Canadair CL-41 Tutor