After providing a facelift to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CH-146 Griffon, Bell Textron Canada will also be responsible for everything surrounding the in-service support of this fleet of aircraft – a lucrative 2-year contract. 3 billion for the manufacturer based in Mirabel.
Confirmed on Wednesday, the agreement is in addition to another of around 800 million obtained in 2022 by the company to extend the life of the 85 RCAF helicopters until the middle of the next decade.
“In collaboration with our many partners, our teams deployed across the country will ensure that the skills required to support the Griffon remain in Canada,” said the vice-president and general manager of Bell Textron Canada, Michael Nault, in a conference press release, alongside the Federal Minister of Public Services and Supply, Jean-Yves Duclos.
The CH-146 Griffon is a variant of the civilian Bell 412 EP model. One hundred aircraft were delivered to National Defense between 1995 and 1997. These helicopters are used in tactical transport missions, emergency interventions as well as search and rescue operations.
Two Quebec players, Pratt & Whitney Canada (engines) and CMC Électronique (mission systems) are Bell’s two main partners to extend the life of the CH-146.
Beginning in April 2024, the helicopter manufacturer will provide program management, engineering, technical and design modification services, repair, spare parts supply and heavy maintenance.
The extent of the work that will be carried out in Bell Textron Canada’s Quebec facilities was not immediately specified. In-service support must be provided in Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador.
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- 1986
- Year when the Bell Helicipter factory, now Bell Textron Canada, was inaugurated in Mirabel.
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