CH-146 Griffon
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| CH-146 Griffon | |
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| Type | Multipurpose utility helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Bell Helicopter Textron |
| Primary user | Canadian Forces |
| Developed from | Bell 412 |
The Bell Helicopter Textron CH-146 Griffon is the Canadian military variant of the Bell 412EP, a multi-use utility helicopter. It is essentially an extensively updated version of the famed UH-1 Huey, with a four-bladed composite rotor, twin engines (a Twin-Pac), and a number of advanced control systems to ease pilot workload and smooth the ride. Like the UH-1, the CH-146 is used in a wide variety of roles, including aerial firepower, reconnaissance and aero-mobility tasks. In 2007, the CH-146 is also one of the four aircraft taught to medical personnel in the Canadian Aeromedical Evacuation school.
The Griffon is built at Mirabel, Quebec, at the Bell Canadian plant. They are delivered 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.
The Canadian Forces have purchased 100 airframes in total; 89 are serving in Tactical Helicopter Squadrons in Edmonton, Alberta; Toronto and Petawawa, Ontario; Valcartier, Quebec; and Gagetown, New Brunswick. The rest of the aircraft are being used in search-and-rescue roles at fighter Combat Support Squadrons in Cold Lake, Alberta; and Bagotville, Quebec; as well as reserve air force units including 400 Squadron at CFB Borden, and 438 Squadron in St-Hubert, Quebec.
One interesting feature of the Griffon is a small camera mounted in the nose of the aircraft pointed up at the rotor. By observing a small yellow paint stripe on the rotor, the autopilot can detect the classic "hoola-hoop" motion and correct it, smoothing the ride.
[edit] Specifications
- Length: 17.1 m
- Rotorspan: 14 m
- Height: 4.6 m
- Weight: 5,355 kg
- Power: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-3D engine
- Speed: 220 km/h (cruise) up to 260 km/h (maximum speed)
- Range: 656 km (with full tanks)
- Armament: 7.62 mm C6 door guns
- Passengers: 12 + 3 crew
- Crew: Two pilots, one flight engineer
- Ballistic protection: removable armour able to protect crew and cabin area occupants from small arms weapons and shrapnel.
- Litter capacity: 6 stretchers
- Thermal imagery: WESCAM 16TD-A Thermal Imaging System (TIS) stabilized camera system
- Night vision: Crew equipped with Generation III Image Intensification (II)
- Transport: minor disassembly permits transport of the Griffon by CC130 Hercules cargo aircraft for long-distance deployment.
- Year(s) procured: 1995 to 1997
- Number in service: 86
[edit] External links
- The Canadian Army - Equipment - Griffon Helicopter (CH-146)
- Canadian Air Force - Aircraft - CH-146 Griffon
[edit] Related content
Related development
Designation sequence
- Bell:
- Canadian Military:
Related lists
- List of aircraft of the AOC
- List of civil aircraft
- List of active Canadian military aircraft
- List of active United Kingdom military aircraft
- List of Canadian Air Force Equipment
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