Bell counts down to upgraded CH-146 Griffon first flight in 2023
Bell has stripped two Royal Canadian CH-146 Griffon multirole helicopters as part of a midlife extension.(Photo: Bell)
Upgraded RCAF CH-146 Griffon helicopters are to be outfitted with better engines and avionics.
Bell has stripped two Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CH-146 Griffon light/medium utility helicopters at company facilities in Mirabel, ahead of upgrading them under the Griffon Limited Life Extension (GLLE) programme.
One of the two aircraft being reassembled will be developed as the first upgraded prototype and it will make a first flight around September 2023.
‘They are in different stages of being stripped and very shortly we will reassemble the first one,’ said Marc Bigaouette, Canadian government programme director at Bell.
‘Now that we have completed the [GLLE] definition phase and understand what the government of Canada is
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Germany confirms loitering munitions contracts for its armed forces]()
Germany confirms loitering munitions contracts for its armed forces
Contracts for the procurement of two platforms have been signed, and will be tested by the German armed forces.
-
![Spanish Air Force receives first converted A330 MRTT]()
Spanish Air Force receives first converted A330 MRTT
The second and third Airbus A330 MRTT for the Spanish Air Force have been undergoing conversion in Getafe, Madrid.
-
![Indonesia commits to further collaboration with Turkey, eyes Kaan jet and MILDEN programmes]()
Indonesia commits to further collaboration with Turkey, eyes Kaan jet and MILDEN programmes
The two countries have already signed defence industrial partnerships in recent years, most recently between Republikorp and Turkish firm Baykar in February 2025.
-
![Australia approved for $1 billion order of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles]()
Australia approved for $1 billion order of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles
The greenlight by the US State Department for up to 400 missiles reinforces the need for increased solid rocket motor (SRM) production and highlights the reason Australia wants to develop a local missile capability.
-
![L3Harris moves forward with aerial, CUAS and software solutions]()
L3Harris moves forward with aerial, CUAS and software solutions
L3Harris Technologies is investing in new systems and software for maritime operations and modernising the US Navy’s fleet of MPAs
