RCAF CH-146 Griffons to receive upgrades
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada is to undertake design work for the upgrade of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF's) CH-146 Griffon helicopters under the Griffon Limited Life-Extension project.
The project will extend the life of the 85-strong fleet to at least 2031.
The first phase is the definition phase, which will see the company develop design changes to upgrade the aircraft’s avionics, engines, cockpit displays and incorporate sensor systems. Once the definition phase is complete, a separate contract is expected to be awarded for implementation in 2022.
This definition work worth $90 million will be performed under the existing support contract for the CH-146, which was awarded to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada in 2011.
Canada’s CH-146 Griffons entered into service between 1995 and 1997. The multi-purpose utility helicopters provide support to RCAF in missions including tactical troop transport, armed escort, reconnaissance and surveillance, casualty evacuation, disaster relief, special operations aviation support and SAR.
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