August 8, 2018 | Local, Aerospace

Modernization program could see Cormorant helicopters return to Trenton

The federal government's plan to move ahead with the modernization of Cormorant search and rescue helicopters could see the return of Cormorants on the flight line at Trenton, Ont., says the Canadian Forces. The RCAF is hoping for “the potential re-introduction of the CH-149 Cormorant helicopter to Trenton” once the Cormorant modernization program is finished, it added. If that happens the Griffon helicopters currently assigned to 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron, would be returned to the Tactical Utility Helicopter role, according to the military.

The Italian aerospace firm, Leonardo, will do the modernization on the Cormorants as part of a project to upgrade the helicopters and to add seven more aircraft to the flight line. No timeline has been provided for the modernization and a contract has yet to be signed.

In the meantime, the CH-146 Griffon helicopters continue to fulfill the rotary wing search and rescue role from 8 Wing Trenton. A number of improvements have been made to the CH-146 Griffon helicopters based at 8 Wing Trenton to enhance their operational capability in the SAR role, according to the RCAF. These improvements include:

 Critical aircraft performance parameters have been increased to allow crews to remain in the hover for longer periods during exercises and rescue missions

 The Griffon's rescue hoist has been upgraded to increase its speed and responsiveness during critical rescue operations

 A new life raft system and a low altitude warning system were installed, both of which improve crew safety during operations over water

 New avionics were fitted in late 2012 to improve long range communication capabilities and provide the ability to track the helicopter's exact location during missions

 The aircraft's bubble windows were repositioned to maximize the spotters' effectiveness while conducting visual searches from the Griffon

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/modernization-program-could-see-cormorant-helicopters-return-to-trenton

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August 6, 2019 | Local, Aerospace

The Canadian Space Agency Announces the FAST 2019 Opportunity
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October 31, 2017 | Local, Naval

ALL SYSTEMS GO: LIKE CLOCKWORK, THE RESOLVE-CLASS NAVAL SUPPORT SHIP IS LAUNCHED
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September 28, 2021 | Local, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security

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