16 CH-149 Cormorants to be Brought Up to Modern SAR Spec Under CMLU Program

The Canadian Department of National Defence has chosen Leonardo to revamp their AW101/CH-149 “Cormorant” helicopter fleet.

The $1 billion CAN contract will provide 16 aircraft with a Mid-Life Upgrade (CMLU), with 13 of them drawn from Canada's fleet of Cormorant Search and Rescue Helicopters. The other 3 slots will be used for other aircraft at a later date. Under the deal, Leonardo will "enhance the aircraft’s systems and technologies, ensure compliance with emerging airspace requirements, and extend the life expectancy of the fleet."

The end result should keep the Canadian Cormorant fleet in operation through 2042 and beyond.

After 20 years of service, the trusty CH-149 Cormorant fleet will undergo the upgrade with the help of Leonardo and its principal Canadian subcontractor, IMP Aerospace and Defence. They'll be assisted by GE Canada and Collins Aerospace Canada.

In keeping with such a defense contract, the majority of the CMLU work will be performed domestically, primarily at IMP’s Halifax, Nova Scotia facilities.

The CMLU Project will take the Search and Rescue Cormorants to the same standards seen on brand new AW101/CH-149s off the factory floor, similar to those recently delivered to Norway. Like most competing new-production aircraft, the revamped Cormorants will include modern, glass panel avionics, FADEC, wireless cabin comms and increased performance.

Aside from the usual roster of kit, the new SAR equipment will provide a definite boost to their mission performance, with the CMLU adding an Electro Optical Infra-Red device and Mobile Phone Detection Location System, allowing for greatly decreased search times in the field.

“The AW101/CH-149 “Cormorant” Search and Rescue helicopter fleet will provide the Royal Canadian Air Force with the sustainment of a robust, high-tech all weather SAR capability across Canada," said Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters. ," said Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters.

"The CMLU programme, through Team Cormorant, will reduce the cost of fleet ownership, while further increasing reliability, capability, and safety for Canadian people.”

FMI: www.leonardo.com