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.
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Lockheed delivers first F-16 Block 70 aircraft to Bulgaria]()
Lockheed delivers first F-16 Block 70 aircraft to Bulgaria
The delivery of this F-16 Block 70 aircraft marks a first step in the Bulgarian air force’s modernisation efforts and the replacement of its MiG-29 aircraft.
-
![UAE accepts first batch of F4 Rafale fighter jets]()
UAE accepts first batch of F4 Rafale fighter jets
The aircraft were accepted during a ceremony on the 29 January and will stay at Dassault’s Flight Test Centre, with deliveries scheduled for the end of 2026.
-
![Turkey’s Baykar strengthens European links with Leonardo and Piaggio Aerospace deals]()
Turkey’s Baykar strengthens European links with Leonardo and Piaggio Aerospace deals
Recent collaborations with Italian aerospace and defence firms have bolstered Baykar’s links throughout Europe and strengthened its credibility as an important player on the continental stage.
-
![Japan selects T-6 Texan II for pilot training]()
Japan selects T-6 Texan II for pilot training
The T-6 Texan II aircraft will replace the Fuji/Subaru T-7 aircraft in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
-
![Embraer “confident” as C-390 and A-29 production ramps up in 2025]()
Embraer “confident” as C-390 and A-29 production ramps up in 2025
Embraer chief commercial officer Frederico Lemos said that it was aiming to produce more than 10 of its C-390 multi-mission aircraft a year by 2030, with some A-29 aircraft already allocated and ready for delivery.
-
![Boeing CEO notes “confidence” in defence arm despite 20% Q4 revenue loss]()
Boeing CEO notes “confidence” in defence arm despite 20% Q4 revenue loss
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg indicated ongoing improvements were being made in its defence programmes going forwards, despite being affected in Q4 by cost pressures, higher manufacturing costs and the impact of the IAM strike.
