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| CH-146 Griffon | |
|---|---|
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| Role | Multipurpose utility helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Bell Helicopter |
| Introduced | 1995 |
| Status | Active service |
| Primary user | Canadian Forces |
| Number built | 100 |
| Developed from | Bell 412 |
The Bell CH-146 Griffon is the Canadian military variant of the Bell 412EP, a multi-use utility helicopter. The CH-146 is used in a wide variety of roles, including aerial firepower, reconnaissance and aero-mobility tasks.1
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Design and development
The Griffon was built at Mirabel, Quebec, at the Bell Canadian plant. They were delivered between 1995 and 1997 in one of two configurations, the Combat Support Squadron (CSS) version for search and rescue missions, and the Utility Tactical Transport Helicopter (UTTH), which carries a crew of three and an eight-man section.1
The Griffon can be equipped with various specialized bolt-on mission kits, which can enhance the performance of the Griffon, from increasing range, improving protection against enemy fire, etc.1
While the CH-146 can be equipped with a total of 13 seats, accommodating three crew and ten passengers, weight restrictions usually result in a normal combat load of eight equipped troops or fewer depending on armament and fuel carried. The aircraft can also be configured for up to six stretchers.12
Minor disassembly permits transport of the Griffon by CC130 Hercules or C-17 aircraft for long-distance deployment.1
Operational history
The Canadian Forces originally purchased 100 aircraft and, in 2008, 85 of these remain in CF service. The remaining aircraft are employed in the tactical-helicopter role at CFB Edmonton, CFB Petawawa, CFB Valcartier, and CFB Gagetown; the search-and-rescue role in Combat Support Squadrons at 4 Wing Cold Lake, 3 Wing Bagotville, and 5 Wing Goose Bay; as well as at reserve air force units including 400 Squadron at CFB Borden and 438 Squadron in St-Hubert, Quebec.2
In 2005 nine CH-146s were sold to the Allied Wings consortium to be used as trainers at 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School.3
On 26 November 2008, the Canadian Forces issued a statement saying that 8 Griffons will be modified to act as armed escorts for CH-47 Chinook helicopters in Afghanistan4. Although they will be outfitted with a Gatling gun, Canadian defence officials maintain that the helicopters will only be used in a defensive and support role, including the evacuation of battlefield casualties. The six CH-146s arrived at Kandahar International Airport on 20 December 2008.56
Specifications (CH-146)
Data from Department of National Defence12
General characteristics
- Crew: Three (pilot, co-pilot & flight engineer)
- Capacity: 10 troops or 6 stretchers (some sources state maximum 8 passengers)
- Length: 17.1 m (56 ft 1 in)
- Rotor diameter: 14 m (45 ft 11 in)
- Height: 4.6 m (15 ft 1 in)
- Max takeoff weight: 5,355 kg (11,900 lb)
- Powerplant: 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-3D turboshaft engine, 900 shp (671 kW) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 260 km/h (139 knots, 160 mph)
- Cruise speed: 220 km/h (118 knots, 136 mph)
- Range: 656 km (354 nm, 405 mi)
Armament
- 7.62 mm C6 GPMG optionally mounted in one or both doors
- 7.62 mm Minigun optionally mounted in one or bothcitation needed
- Removable armour to protect crew and cabin area occupants from small arms fire and shrapnel
Avionics
- WESCAM 16TD-A Thermal Imaging System (TIS) stabilized camera system
- Crew equipped with Generation III Image Intensification (II) Night Vision
See also
Related development
Related lists
- List of aircraft of the AOC
- List of civil aircraft
- List of active Canadian military aircraft
- List of Canadian Air Force Equipment
References
- ^ a b c d e f Department of National Defence (October 2006). "The Canadian Army - Equipment - Griffon Helicopter (CH-146)". Retrieved on 2008-02-24.
- ^ a b c Department of National Defence (Match 2007). "Canada's Air Force - Aircraft - CH-146 Griffon - Technical Specifications". Retrieved on 2008-02-24.
- ^ Air Force Public Affairs / Department of National Defence (December 2007). "17 WING - WINNIPEG : SQUADRONS". Retrieved on 2008-08-20.
- ^ http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/11/26/griffon-chinook-afghanistan.html. Retrieved on 26 Nov 2008.
- ^ http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5gr96lGM_yIZ3_Rwm4dH0Iu6DiWRw
- ^ Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (December 2008). "Canadian-made Griffon helicopters arrive in Kandahar". Retrieved on 2008-12-20.
External links
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- This page was last modified on 6 January 2009, at 20:58.
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