Griffon Upgrade Program Keeps a Legend Around for a Few Decades More

The first of the Royal Canadian Air Force's new CH-146 Griffon Helicopters has taken flight, proving that the modern iteration of the legendary UH-1 Huey helicopter still has what it takes to make some sales.

Five months ago, the RCAF awarded an In-Service Support contract to Bell Helicopter in order to sustain their Griffon fleet through 2039. The Griffon Limited Life Extension project will upgrade and modernize their existing aircraft, essentially a lightly militarized Bell 412, with new avionics, displays, engines, and sensor suites. The Griffon is a Canadian standby, taking up a whole host of missions as a multi-use, multi-mission aircraft that can handle everything from Search & Rescue to Patrol and Response. Since getting into the fleet the CH-146 has logged more than half a million flight hours, proving out the legendary Vietnam-era Huey helicopter is just as good today as it was back then.

“The Bell 412 remains a venerable aircraft of choice for militaries across the world, with the Royal Canadian Air Force operating the largest and best equipped militarized fleet of 412s,” said Danny Maldonado, chief commercial officer, Bell. 

“Bell is honored to continue our relationship with the Royal Canadian Air Force as they expand their mission capabilities with next generation technologies.”

“As Canada’s only helicopter manufacturer in-country, Bell is a proud partner of the Canadian Armed Forces. Our facility’s local presence provides us with the ability to work closely with the Canadian government, as well as other local customers to address their aircraft needs”, said Michael Nault, General Manager, Bell Textron Canada. “The GLLE program will help ensure that the Royal Canadian Air Force is equipped with cutting-edge defense technologies for years to come.”

FMI: www.textron.com