RCAF helicopters currently operates four fleets: CH-146 Griffon, CH-147F Chinook, CH-148 Cyclone and the CH-149 Cormorant. In addition, the Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) program operates the Bell Jet Ranger and the Bell 412 Outlaw for pilot training.
BY JOETEY ATTARIWALA
CH-146 GRIFFON
The CH-146 Griffon utility tactical-transport helicopter is a variant of the Bell 412, and was acquired in the mid-nineties to replace the CH-135 Twin-Huey, CH-136 Kiowa and CH-139 Iroquois. 100 Griffon helicopters were procured under the Canadian Forces Utility Tactical Transport Helicopter project, of which 85 remain in service today (83 operational aircraft and 2 maintenance training aircraft).
The most significant modifications to the Griffon came in the form of an electro-optical capability and the addition of defensive weaponry required for the war in Afghanistan, where the platform excelled due largely to the versatility it brought to NATO forces and the ability of its crews to be reassigned in flight to high priority tasks.
The Griffon has been deployed on numerous occasions to take part in a variety of international missions, some humanitarian (Haiti and the Philippines), some in support of a UN Mandate (the Balkans and Mali), and some in support to NATO. Most recently, the Griffon was deployed to Latvia in summer 2024 as a Tactical Air Detachment (TAD) under Operation REASSURANCE.
To keep the CAF’s helicopter capabilities up-to-date, Bell is supporting the fleet through two distinct but complementary contracts. The first is the Griffon Limited Life Extension (GLLE) contract, ratified in 2022 to extend the life of the RCAF’s 85 CH-146s to at least 2035. The second is the CH-146 Integrated Service Support (ISS) contract, which recently replaced the Optimized Weapon System Support (OWSS) contract that had been in place since December 2011.
The GLLE project began in 2019 with the objective of extending the CH-146 Griffon’s end-of-life cycle and preventing potential capability loss due to obsolescence issues in its avionics and mission kits. Once fielded, the aircraft will technically be known as the CH-146C Mk II variant.
“The project is progressing steadily, with the first aircraft currently undergoing development flight testing and soon moving to technical flight testing,” said a Department of National Defence (DND) spokesperson. “A total of 83 Griffon aircraft will be inducted into the modification and upgrade project. By April 2025, Bell Textron Canada Limited (BTCL) aims to have inducted nine aircraft. The project is scheduled to conclude in March 2029.”
“The updates being implemented into Canada’s CH-146 under the GLLE are fairly substantial,” said Marc Bigaouette, Director, Canadian Government Programs at Bell. “They include replacing avionics such as automatic flight control systems, cockpit voice and flight recorders, communications and cryptographic equipment, control display units, and navigation systems. The Griffon’s cockpit displays and engines will also be upgraded under GLLE, and its sensor systems will be integrated to improve onboard data sharing and situational awareness. Another and perhaps simpler way to put it is that everything short of the airframe and dynamic components will be new on the Mk II.”
The first flight of the CH-146C MK II occurred in June 2024 with completion of the first test aircraft. Plans call for the first five aircraft to be completed at the Bell plant in Mirabel and the remainder of the fleet to be modified by industry partners Alpine and Heli-One.
“For the upcoming 15 months, focus will be on the finalization of assembly instructions, the preparation training material for the initial instructor cadre and the achievement of certification,” Bigaouette told CDR. “All in all, GLLE will account for more than 50% in Canadian Content Value. Beyond the economic return that this defence investment means for Canada, it also provides supply security for our Armed Forces and the possibility to preserve the experience gained by Canadian industry during modernization for the sustainment of the fleet going forward.”
The ISS contract that was recently implemented for the Griffon fleet covers an initial period of 15 years, with options. It accounts for the features necessary to enable the execution of Continuous Capability Sustainment, an essential element in the maintenance of sovereign military and industrial capabilities.
“The program represents a nice example of the cooperation that can exist between industry and the Government of Canada,” said Bigaouette. “It is important to note that more than 40 Canadian partners are involved in the sustainment of the Griffon fleet. In addition to the return this provides to the Canadian economy, the element of supply chain resilience and security that they deliver should not be underestimated.”
“The GLLE project not only sustains the operational readiness of the Griffon fleet but also bridges the gap until the introduction of the Next Tactical Aviation Capability Set [nTACS],” said a DND spokesperson. “nTACS is more than a replacement for the Griffon, it represents a revitalization of tactical aviation for the Canadian Armed Forces. By upgrading the CH-146 Griffon, the GLLE project guarantees that the Canadian Government and the RCAF can rely on this aircraft to perform missions safely and effectively, both at home and abroad, until nTACS delivers.”
CH-147F CHINOOK
The CH-147F Chinook is a multi-mission, medium to heavy-lift helicopter used to transport equipment and personnel during domestic or deployed operations, primarily in support of the Canadian Army. The RCAF took delivery of its CH-147F in June 2013, and the entire fleet operates out of 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron based in Petawawa, ON, which is under 1 Wing. There are currently 14 aircraft in the RCAF’s CH-147F Chinook fleet.
The Chinook fleet has been actively maintained and supported through Boeing’s comprehensive Integrated Support Services (ISS) program, which runs from 2013 to 2033. This includes program management, engineering support, supply chain management, data analytics, and most recently maintenance support, ensuring the fleet’s readiness and affordability.
“It’s worth noting that approximately 40% of the Boeing teammates supporting the ISS program are veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces,” said Al Meinzinger, President of Boeing Canada. “There are Boeing Canada employees at multiple sites across Ontario – including in Ottawa, Renfrew and at 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Petawawa – that are instrumental in supporting the RCAF’s CH-147F Chinook fleet.”
Recent upgrades include an Emergency Locator Transmitter upgrade, as well as ongoing projects such as secure radio modernization (UHF/VHF) and secure radio (HF). The fleet is also being equipped with the Extended Range Fuel System (ERFS) / Forward Area Refueling Equipment, allowing for extended range or ground refueling of other aircraft and vehicles.
In addition, the fleet has recently started engineering efforts for an extensive avionics upgrade under the Multi-Fleet Air Traffic Management Avionics (MFATMA) project which will bring in Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast Out (ADS-B Out), Performance Based Navigation, and new transponders.
Although the Chinook fleet is not part of the nTACS project, it remains integral to a balanced Tactical Aviation capability. A Chinook Mid-Life Block Upgrade (CMBU) is part of the RCAF’s plan to review the CH-147F capability moving forward in concert with nTACS. The current Chinook End of Life Expectancy is 2033.
For its part, Boeing has initiated production of the CH-47F Block II for the US Army, which features a reinforced airframe, improved drivetrain, and redesigned fuel tanks. These upgrades will enhance the aircraft’s range and payload capacity, serving as a foundation for future enhancements.
Internationally, the CH-146 Griffon and CH-147F Chinook were deployed in the fall of 2024 to Cyprus on Operation GLOBE, to be positioned to provide casualty evacuation support to any evacuation operations for Canadian Armed Forces or Government of Canada personnel from Lebanon. The CH-147F will deploy to Latvia as part of Op REASSURANCE on a rotational basis.
CH-148 CYCLONE
The Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone is Canada’s ship-borne maritime RCAF helicopter providing air support to the Royal Canadian Navy, and serves roles in surface and sub-surface surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, utility transport, search and rescue and more.
Sikorsky has delivered 27 CH-148 aircraft. The 28th and final aircraft will be delivered in 2025.
According to DND, the Capability Release (CR) modifications to the CH-148 Cyclone continues with CR 2.1 being the most current. This conversion upgrades the data management, information processing and display system for the aircrew in the back of the aircraft. This upgrade was paused after initial flight testing revealed some minor emergent issues with the new software affecting the displays. The issues have now been fixed and conversions have recommenced.
Sikorsky is under contract to implement software enhancements for the CH-148 flight control system. These enhancements address the recommendations in the Flight Safety Investigation Report. Addressing this was Josh Cleveland, Sikorsky director, Canadian Maritime Helicopter Program. “Sikorsky and DND are working closely to complete the project. We will make the enhancements available to the CH-148 fleet as soon as practicable.”
Software development enhancements to the Flight Control System (FCS) lets the pilot temporarily override the Flight Director (FD), which performs like an auto-pilot. The FCS improvements monitor for problems where the pilot and the FD disagree, and alert the pilot to the condition. Additionally, the system will immediately disconnect the FD, giving the pilot full control of the aircraft when the conflict persists. The visual warning system has also been improved to make the pilots more aware.
The RCAF has delivered Cyclone Helicopter Air Detachments (HELAIRDETs) almost constantly to deployed Royal Canadian Navy Halifax class frigates around the world. In 2024, HELAIRDETs deployed on operations NEON, HORIZON and REASSURANCE.
Although a capable aircraft, the CH-148 fleet remains challenged as Canada is the sole operator of the type. The small fleet size means that there is a relatively low demand for parts, and relatively low inventory levels of Cyclone specific parts, thereby challenging operational availability.
CH-149 CORMORANT
The CH-149 Cormorant is a long-range medium lift RCAF helicopter that remains the mainstay of the RCAF’s vertical lift search and rescue (SAR) capability. The Cormorant operates year-round and in all weather conditions, and the fleet periodically supports NORAD operations in Canada’s North through the provision of SAR coverage there. The Cormorant also provides support to other government departments, as well as support to provinces as a secondary SAR response.
There are currently 13 aircraft in the RCAF’s CH-149 Cormorant fleet. The aircraft are able to carry up to 12 stretchers or loads up to 5,000 kilograms. The Cormorant’s advanced systems provide a stable hover for critical hoisting operations, and can operate in severe conditions, making it ideal for Canada’s challenging geography and climate.
The Cormorant fleet is being upgraded and enlarged through the Cormorant Mid-Life Upgrade (CMLU) project, which is currently in the implementation phase. Through CMLU, the CH-149 fleet size will grow from the current 13 aircraft to 16, which will allow for the CH-149 to return to 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron at 8 Wing Trenton.
The first three CLMU aircraft will be built at Leonardo Helicopters in England (two are currently in production), while the rest of the fleet will be upgraded at IMP Aerospace in Halifax.
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) is scheduled for 2027 and Full Operational Capability in 2029. The CMLU project is designed to extend the estimated life expectancy of the CH-149 Cormorant to at least 2042 by addressing obsolescence issues, ensuring compliance with emerging regulations, augmenting the CH-149 SAR sensor capability (L3Harris WESCAM electro-optical/infrared sensor and Leonardo Osprey Active Electronically Scanned Array radar), and procuring a flight simulation training device (FSTD) which will be located at 19 Wing Comox.
NEW AIRBUS HELICOPTERS FOR RCAF TRAINING
SkyAlyne, a Joint Venture between CAE and KF Aerospace, will deliver the future of RCAF helicopter rotary wing pilot training as part of the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) project. Airbus Helicopters in Canada has been contracted by SkyAlyne to deliver the H135 for FAcT. The platform has an accomplished military operational track record and is used for military training across 12 nations – there are currently over 140 H135s being used for this purpose, worldwide.
“The FAcT contract is the result of many years of work so we’re extremely excited to be able to now say that we have signed the contract with SkyAlyne and can move into the next step in the process, which is preparing and delivering these helicopters so that they can be used to train the future RCAF Pilots on the critical rotary-wing capabilities that will support the Canadian military,” said Dwayne Charette, President of Airbus Helicopters in Canada.
“One of the key advantages of the H135 is the Helionix avionics system, which creates an ease of transition between Airbus helicopters and ensures scalability across the Airbus twin-engine platform lineup. Helionix is standard on all twin-engine Airbus helicopters, providing a consistent avionics experience that prepares RCAF pilots trained on the H135 to easily transition to other advanced avionics platforms. Helionix will equip RCAF helicopter pilot trainees with experience on modern avionics that will be advantageous as they progress to the next generation of helicopter platforms.”
NEXT TACTICAL AVIATION CAPABILITY SET (nTACS) PROJECT
With the CH-146 Griffon fleet reaching its end of life in the mid 2030s, the Next Tactical Aviation Capability Set (nTACS) project is a critical initiative aimed at revitalizing Tactical Aviation capabilities for the CAF to introduce a next-generation capability set with the acquisition of aircraft, sensors, and weapons capable of supporting the Canadian Army and Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. With respect to aircraft, this could include a mixed fleet solution of manned and unmanned vertical lift platforms.
According to DND, the nTACS project is vital in addressing the increasing instability of the global security environment and the rising demand on the CAF. The recent Defence Policy Update — Our North Strong and Free (ONSAF) — has underscored a strong need for tactical aircraft and it has identified $18.4 Billion CAD for the recapitalization of Tactical Aviation. The goal is to establish a balanced fleet capable of addressing domestic challenges, such as Arctic logistics, and supporting international missions with allies. Platform requirements will focus on reach, firepower and interoperability with allies to meet these demands.
“Tactical Aviation assets have enjoyed the luxury of locating in close proximity to the Land Forces they support,” said Marc Bigaouette of Bell Helicopters. “The ability of potential foes to bring long-range fires to effect, as demonstrated in Ukraine, means that vertical lift assets may have to travel longer distances to deliver effects in the future. After some 60 years of employment in the provision of battlefield air mobility, firepower, reconnaissance, heavy lift and other key capabilities to military forces, helicopters face the prospect of small incremental improvements limited largely by aerodynamics. That’s why tomorrow’s security environment will demand more from Tactical Aviation, particularly in terms of range and speed – this is why a step change is required.”
“In our opinion, the speed and airlift capacity required to assert Canada’s sovereignty, respond to natural disasters and contribute to international operations with Allies, as mentioned in the Defence Policy Update can only come from a tiltrotor platform,” said Bigaouette.
“We are closely following the development of the RCAF’s requirements for the nTACS project to ensure that Airbus Helicopters Canada is well-positioned to offer a comprehensive solution,” said Dwayne Charette of Airbus Helicopters in Canada. “Airbus offers an advanced range of helicopters that are well-suited for modern tactical operations, and offer capabilities such as cutting-edge avionics, integrated weapon systems, and adaptability to diverse missions. We are confident that we will be in a position to offer the capabilities, expertise, and technology to support the modernization goals of the RCAF and that we will have the best solution for this critical project.”
“We look forward to competing to fulfill the nTACS requirements for Canada and will determine which of our platforms are the best fit when the requirements are released,” said Hamid Salim, Sikorsky Vice President, Army and Air Force Systems. “The Black Hawk helicopter fleet provides best in industry affordability, capability, and survivability with more than 15 million flight hours and flown by over 35 countries. We continue to modernize and invest in the Black Hawk helicopter as the aircraft will continue to operate into the 2070s. Equipped with Sikorsky’s MATRIX technology, our optionally piloted vehicle Black Hawk has demonstrated it can complete missions with two, one or no pilots.”
“Of all OEMs, we’ve got the broadest range of vertical lift platforms that could fit into the nTACS mission profile,” said Brian McEachen, International Campaigns – North America at Leonardo Helicopters. “We have the AW139 which is truly a multi-mission platform, and we also have the 8 ton class AW149 military helicopter which is the next level up. In fact, Leonardo is proposing the AW149 for the UK’s New Medium Helicopter project. We also have the AW249 attack helicopter that we are working on with the Italian government. From an uncrewed perspective, we have the Hero which is 200 kg, and we have the Proteus which is a 2-3 ton platform – both of which could be of interest to the RCAF.”
Interestingly, Leonardo and Bell signed a Memorandum of Understanding in February to evaluate cooperation opportunities in the tiltrotor technology domain.
Canada is now part of the NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) initiative which aims to replace medium multi-role capabilities ending their life cycle in 2035 and beyond. Airbus Helicopters, Lockheed Martin Sikorsky, and Leonardo were each awarded 13-month contracts to provide studies under NGRC.
With nTACS having only just entered the Options Analysis phase, it is too early to specify the type of platform(s) or exact dates for IOC, however, IOC is anticipated in the early to mid-2030s. The project is designed to allow flexibility to accelerate all or specific aspects based on available funding and airframes.
Joetey Attariwala is CDR’s Aviation Editor
