Federal government announces contract to extend the life of the RCAF’s aging fleet of 85 CH-146 Griffon helicopters
by CM Staff
The Government of Canada has awarded a contract worth nearly $800 million to Bell Textron Canada Limited (BTCL) to extend the life of the helicopters until at least the mid 2030s.
CH-146 Griffon (CNW Group/Public Services and Procurement Canada)
MIRABEL — On May 30, François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, on behalf of Minister Filomena Tassi, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, announced the Government of Canada has awarded a contract worth nearly $800 million to Bell Textron Canada Limited (BTCL) of Mirabel, Quebec, to extend the life of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s fleet of 85 CH-146 Griffon helicopters until at least the mid-2030s. The helicopters were first delivered between 1994 and 1998.
As the original manufacturer of the CH-146 Griffon helicopters, BTCL owns the intellectual property rights for the aircraft and is therefore the only company certified to assess and define necessary design changes and associated repairs to the aircraft.
Under the contract, the company will perform modifications on the first 9 helicopters, and will then manage a competitive process to sub-contract suppliers to install modifications on the remaining 76 helicopters.
BTCL established Team Griffon, which includes CMC Electronics and Pratt & Whitney Canada. Through the application of the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, BTCL has also committed to business activities that will ensure opportunities for the broader Canadian supply chain, including small and medium-sized businesses, and try and spur key industrial capabilities within Canada’s aerospace manufacturing sector.
“I am pleased to announce this important contract award to Bell Textron Canada Limited to keep 85 Griffon helicopters in service, while supporting jobs here in Canada. Canadians take great pride in their armed forces, and it’s important to make sure its members have what they need to keep Canada safe and secure.” said Filomena Tassi, Minister of Public Services and Procurement.
“We are proudly celebrating the award and implementation of the Griffon Limited Life Extension project for the Royal Canadian Air Force by the Government of Canada. Our teams, located from the East to the West Coast, in collaboration with industry partners, ensure that the skills required to sustain the Griffon remain resident in Canada. Our 1,300 employees feel privileged to perform the work that will support the fleet of the RCAF for their critical missions in Canada and abroad.” said Steeve Lavoie, President, Bell Textron Canada Ltd.
