CH-146 Griffon
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| CH-146 Griffon | |
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| Type | Multipurpose utility helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Bell Helicopter Textron |
| 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]
In 2007, the CH-146 is also one of the four aircraft taught to medical personnel in the Canadian Aeromedical Evacuation school.[citation needed]
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[edit] 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]
The Canadian Forces purchased 100 aircraft. 85 are serving in the tactical-helicopter role at CFB Edmonton, CFB Petawawa, CFB Valcartier, and CFB Gagetown. The remainder of the aircraft are being used in search-and-rescue roles in Combat Support Squadrons at 4 Wing Cold Lake, 3 Wing Bagotville, and 5 Wing Goose Bay as well as reserve air force units including 400 Squadron at CFB Borden and 438 Squadron in St-Hubert, Quebec.[2]
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.[citation needed]
Minor disassembly permits transport of the Griffon by CC130 Hercules cargo aircraft for long-distance deployment.[1]
[edit] Specifications (CH-146)
This aircraft article is missing some (or all) of its specifications. If you have a source, you can help Wikipedia by adding them.Data from Department of National Defence[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: Three (pilot, co-pilot & flight engineer)
- Capacity: 12 troops or 6 stretchers
- 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 (11,781 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 mounted in doors
- 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
[edit] References
[edit] 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
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