Canada commits $1.7 billion to CH-146 helicopter support
Bell has been awarded a contract to support RCAF CH-146s for the next decade. (Photo: Canadian Army)
The Royal Canadian Air Force has been operating 82 CH-146 Griffon helicopters out of 11 locations across Canada. In May 2022, C$800 million was awarded for the service life extension of the fleet which will keep the aircraft in service until at least the mid-2030s.
Bell Textron Canada Ltd has been awarded a C$2.28 billion (US$1.69 billion) contract to support the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF’s) fleet of 82 CH-146 Griffon (Bell 412EP) helicopters.
The deal will commence in April 2024 and see the company lead programme management, engineering, technical and design change services, component repair and overhaul, procurement of spares and heavy maintenance services.
Work will take place in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
The first CH-146 entered service with the RCAF almost three decades ago and the platform has been regularly upgraded to ensure capability.
A cockpit upgrade was carried out in 2017 and Bell was awarded an upgrade contract in 2022. In April 2023, the company awarded subcontracts to Alpine Aerotech and Heli-One Canada to support the modernisation of the fleet of helicopters.
Under the most recent upgrade the aircraft will be fitted with Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6T-9 twin engines, as well as a new set of radios, cockpit voice and flight recorders, navigation systems, automatic flight control systems and control display units.
An upgraded prototype was planned to make its first flight in late 2023 but it was believed this had yet to occur. Under the schedule the first upgraded Griffon has been scheduled for delivery in 2024 and the upgrade programme set for completion by 2028.
More from Air Warfare
-
![US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies]()
US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies
The United Arab Emirates has taken the lion’s share of this round, with the US supporting its F-16 fleet and signing off on possible sales for more AMRAAM AIM-120 missiles and a counter-drone system.
-
![How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics]()
How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics
Defence industry primes are working on an array of different platforms to meet the growing need for rotary uncrewed aerial vehicles to carry out future logistics missions.
-
![UK E-7 Wedgetail delay down to a “technology issue”, as MoD grapples with slipping timelines]()
UK E-7 Wedgetail delay down to a “technology issue”, as MoD grapples with slipping timelines
The first of three E-7 Wedgetail aircraft, originally ordered in 2019, is now expected to be delivered to the RAF this year after multiple “difficulties”.
-
![Forecast $21.9 billion light attack and trainer opportunities up for grabs as Leonardo lines up M-346]()
Forecast $21.9 billion light attack and trainer opportunities up for grabs as Leonardo lines up M-346
The M-346 stands as a potential contender for various countries facing impending capability gaps due to ageing trainer aircraft, while it could also be selected as a cost-effective light fighter aircraft.
-
![US Air Force seeks capabilities to improve C3 for aircraft fleet and warfighters]()
US Air Force seeks capabilities to improve C3 for aircraft fleet and warfighters
The USAF published RFIs for enhancing its C3 capabilities after losing, in Operation Epic Fury, four aircraft in non-confrontational, unclear situations that could have been related to command, control and communication failures.
