This section was produced by the editorial department. The client was not given the opportunity to put restrictions on the content or review it prior to publication.
You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.
Royal Canadian Air Force CH-146 Griffon helicopters fly to pick up supplies to transport to troops deployed further north during Operation NANOOK, August 21, 2017. Photo Credit: Mona Ghiz, MARLANT PA NK50-2017-223-047
Article content
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada will start the process to upgrade and extend the operating life of the Canadian Forces Griffon helicopter fleet with initial work needed to determine how to proceed with technology improvements.
The firm, based in Mirabel, Que., will be conducting design work needed to extend the life of fleet of 85 CH-146 Griffon helicopters to at least 2031.
Advertisement 2
Story continues below
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office.
Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account.
Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
Support local journalism.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office.
Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account.
Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
Support local journalism.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
The definition work, valued at up to $90 million, will be performed under the existing support contract for the CH-146, which was awarded to the firm in 2011, according to the Department of National Defence. The company, which is the original manufacturer of the helicopter, will develop design changes to upgrade the aircraft’s avionics systems, engines, and cockpit displays, as well as to integrate sensor systems.
Article content
The Griffon Limited Life Extension project is estimated to be valued at approximately $800 million, the DND noted.
Once the definition phase is complete, a separate contract is expected to be awarded in 2022 for implementation of the upgrades.
Canada’s fleet of CH-146 Griffons entered service between 1995 and 1997. The helicopters are used for a variety of functions, including special forces support, tactical troop transport, reconnaissance, escort and surveillance, casualty evacuation, disaster relief, and search and rescue.
The CH-146 can carry up to 15 people (two pilots, a flight engineer, and 12 passengers), has a maximum gross weight of nearly 5,400 kilograms, and can reach speeds up to 260 kilometres per hour, according to the Canadian Forces.
This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
