Griffons fly with the Navy

Is the Air Force developing a new aircraft – a ‘Sea Griffon’ perhaps?

No, it’s just CH-146 Griffons – whether painted in search and rescue (SAR) colours or in tactical green – adapting to the challenging operational environment in Haiti after the  devastating earthquake on Jan 12.

“To maintain the flexibility of the task force [in Haiti], cross deck landings allow numerous missions such as [medical evacuations] or command liaison to be conducted without relying [only] on the Sea King,” said Captain Jon De Swert, operations officer for Canadian Helicopter Force (Haiti)

Cross deck landings (cross decking) refers to different types of aircraft landing on the same ship. It’s not a new concept to some of the Griffon community, says Capt De Swert, who is from 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron, located at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, Ont. He has cross decking training to support maritime counter-terrorism operations. “However, it is the first time that regular tactical [helicopter] units and SAR units have landed on frigates and destroyers.”

A ship-borne maritime helicopter such as the CH-124 Sea King - which is the helicopter that normally flies from Canadian Forces’ ships – is designed to operate off of ships’ decks. Having wheels as well as folding rotor blades, it can easily land and be put in a hangar within the tight confines of a warship. Its amphibious hull also enables it to land on water if necessary.

On the other hand, the Griffon’s landing gear – its skids – can slide on the ship’s landing deck; and once landed it can’t be easily moved.

“The principles [for cross decking] are basically the same as landing in a confined area.  Mind you we have had calm seas; I am sure the Griffon crews would have difficulty if the sea state was higher,” said Capt De Swert. “After eight approaches aircraft commanders receive the qualification [for cross decking].”

Early in the operation, Major Allison Dymond, a Sea King pilot and landing safety officer (LSO), came to Haiti to help Griffon crews adapt to landing onboard ship. Soon, because of the skills Griffon pilots already have for landing in confined areas, it became clear that a ‘back-seat pilot’ wasn’t needed. But Griffon aircrew still relied on the ship’s LSO to provide guidance on wind direction and suggestions on which side to approach the ship. The LSO also controls the state of deck operation – whether it is a “red deck” (unsafe to land or depart) or a “green deck” (safe to land or depart).

“The Navy has tremendous experience in this type of operation and it appears they take nothing for granted,” said Capt De Swert.

“This operation emphasizes the reason why more joint training is required,” he added. “Op HESTIA proves that … the Griffon can be used for other tasks, outside its typical role.”

Six Griffon helicopters were deployed to Haiti and formed Operation Hestia’s helicopter detachment.  Personnel and helicopters came from across Canada – including from 1 Wing Kingston, Ont., 3 Wing Bagotville, Que., 5 Wing Gander, N.L. and 8 Wing Trenton, Ont.

By Captain Rae Joseph - Canadian Armed Forces