Under the Griffon Limited Life Extension
(GLLE) contract, Bell will modernize the RCAF's CH-146 Griffon
Fleet to sustain its capabilities through the 2030s.
MIRABEL,
QC, June 20, 2024 /CNW/ - Bell Textron Canada
Limited a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced the
successful first flight of one of the Royal Canadian Air Force's
modernized CH-146 Griffon helicopters, a variant of the Bell 412EP,
under the Griffon Limited Life Extension (GLLE) project. Under
GLLE, Bell will provide aircraft modifications to a series of the
fleet's aeronautical components, including its avionics systems,
cockpit displays, engines, and sensor systems. This news comes
nearly five months after Bell was awarded the In-Service Support
(ISS) contract that is positioned to sustain the Force's fleet
through 2039.
"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."
To commemorate this historic flight milestone, Bell hosted an
event at Bell's Commercial Centre of Excellence for attendees to
witness the first flight of the upgraded platform.
The Royal Canadian Air Force utilizes their fleet of CH-146
Griffons for a multitude of missions, from the provision of
world-wide humanitarian relief in support to the United Nations to
the provision of Reassurance measures under NATO. The fleet is also
extensively employed in Canada for
the provision of Search and Rescue services and support to first
responders. Last year, the CH-146 Griffon fleet surpassed half a
million flight hours.
"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."
The first upgraded CH-146 Griffon completed under the GLLE
project is expected to be delivered to the Canadian government in
2026 pending military certification.
Founded in 1986 and based in Mirabel, Quebec, Bell Textron Canada Ltd.
(BTCL) is focused on delivering an exceptional customer experience
and superior service and support for customers around the globe.
Represented by more than 1,500 employees and 550 suppliers based
from coast to coast to coast, BTCL has built and delivered nearly
6,000 aircraft, with 1,000 provided to Canadian operators. Bell's
Canadian Supply Centre located in Calgary sustains the fleets of local operators
including the Canadian Armed Forces, Transport Canada and the
Canadian Coast Guard.
Follow Us:
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Instagram
YouTube
SOURCE Bell Textron Canada Ltd.