Successful Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities

The CC-295 Kingfisher recently completed the rescue phase of its Operational Test and Evaluation Program, successfully proving Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities in challenging conditions. This activity is used to determine if the aircraft meets the operational capability requirements in realistic scenarios, to search for and locate vessels or people in distress, and to complete the rescue part of the mission.

Achieving this milestone means the aircraft is on track to reach Initial Operational Capability in early 2025 and will be ready to carry out critical, life-saving SAR missions across Canada’s vast and challenging territory.

READ: Fixed-Wing Search & Rescue Procurement Project

The RCAF will operate the new fixed-wing fleet from 19 Wing Comox, 17 Wing Winnipeg, 8 Wing Trenton, and 14 Wing Greenwood; the same locations currently providing search and rescue services across the country. RCAF search and rescue aircraft and personnel are located where they can effectively respond to search and rescue incidents in all regions of Canada, considering factors such as the historical distribution of incidents, aircraft performance, and the co-location of forces with supporting infrastructure.

The Government of Canada is acquiring 16 CC-295s to take over the search and rescue (SAR) duties undertaken by legacy fleets, CC-115 Buffalo aircraft and CC-130H Hercules aircraft.

Airbus Defence and Space is providing a search and rescue solution including a modern and technologically advanced aircraft along with maintenance and support services at four RCAF Wings across Canada until potentially 2042. The solution includes a newly constructed simulator-equipped training centre in Comox, British Columbia.

The new CC-295 Kingfisher will carry out critical, life-saving search and rescue missions across Canada’s vast and challenging territory, including the Arctic.

Using integrated sensors, crews will be able to locate persons or objects—such as downed aircraft—from more than 40 kilometres away, even in low-light conditions. This will contribute to improving the overall effectiveness of searches. It is anticipated that the on-scene search time will be reduced with the use of these enhanced sensor capabilities, and the aircraft will be more reliable and available more often than current fleets.

READ: CC-295 KINGFISHER