Bell 412

Suitability for role


The CH-146 was purchased by the CF to replace four existing helicopters, the CH-136 Kiowa in the observation role, the CH-135 Twin Huey in the army tactical role, the CH-118 Iroquois in the base rescue role and the heavy lift CH-147 Chinook.

From the time of its purchase defence analysts have been critical of the aircraft pointing to its procurement as politically motivated and that the aircraft cannot adequately fill any of its intended roles.

It has been termed "a civilian designed and built aircraft, with only a coat of green paint."

Writing in 2006 defence analyst Sharon Hobson said:


The Griffon helicopter has become almost a laughing stock. It is underpowered for the transport role the army needs it to play, and it’s too big for a reconnaissance role. At a time when the Canadian Forces are thirsting for equipment, it’s telling that about 20 of the Griffons have been parked.


The CH-146 was ruled out for the Afghan mission by General Rick Hillier when he was Chief of Defence Staff in 2008 due to being underpowered. It has also been criticised for being underpowered by Martin Shadwick, a defence analyst and professor at York University. Shadwick stated in July 2009:

Its engines are fine for most domestic requirements in Canada and a more moderate temperature, but [the Griffon] doesn't really have the horsepower to reach its full potential in a place like Afghanistan.

Retired LGen Lou Cuppens defended the aircraft's performance:

When the discussions took place about Afghanistan it was very quickly determined that when you do the weather analysis, that the aircraft could not carry the same combat load of troops that it could in Canada and land in a temperate climate. But all you do then is, you use more of them to do the same mission.

Looking at operations that we've done elsewhere in the Middle East, with similar aircraft, they all have limitations of some sort and you work with the limitations."


Defence Minister Peter MacKay also defended the aircraft:


“ I believe the Griffon is a superior helicopter, well-maintained, it's a utility helicopter that serves our interests both in Afghanistan and for purposes here in Canada.

Operators

The Canadian Forces had 85 aircraft in service in 2008. The aircraft are employed at:

Tactical Helicopter role


400 Tactical Helicopter Squadron - CFB Borden

403 Helicopter Operational Training Squadron - CFB Gagetown

408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron - CFB Edmonton

427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron - CFB Petawawa

430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron - CFB Valcartier

438 Tactical Helicopter Squadron - St-Hubert, Quebec

Search and Rescue role


424 Transport and Rescue Squadron - 8 Wing Trenton

Combat Support Squadrons


417 Combat Support Squadron - 4 Wing CFB Cold Lake

439 Combat Support Squadron - 3 Wing CFB Bagotville

444 Combat Support Squadron - 5 Wing CFB Goose Bay

Specifications (CH-146)

Data from Department of National Defence


General characteristics


Crew: Three (pilot, co-pilot & flight engineer)

Capacity: 10 troops or 6 stretchers (some sources state maximum 8 passengers)

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 (11,900 lb)

Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-3D turboshaft engine, 900 shp (671 kW) each