Bell 412

CH-146 Griffon

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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, search and rescue and aero-mobility tasks.

Design and development

Based on the Bell 412EP, the Griffon is designated 412CF. Canada ordered 100 of the model in 1992.

The CH-146 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.

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.

While the CH-146 can be equipped with a total of 13 seats, accommodating three crew and ten passengers, weight restrictions usually result in a normal combat load of eight equipped troops or fewer depending on armament and fuel carried.

The aircraft can also be configured for up to six stretchers.

Minor disassembly permits transport of the Griffon by CC-130 Hercules or CC-177 Globemaster III aircraft for long-distance deployment.

Operational history

The Canadian Forces purchased 100 aircraft[2] and received them in 1995-1997.

In 2005, nine CH-146s were sold to the Allied Wings consortium to be used as trainers at 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School.

Canada


The CH-146 Griffon have been deployed in various operations in Canada since their introduction in 1995.

They have been deployed during the Operation Saguenay in 1996 and Operation Assistance in 1997.

The CH-146 have also played a major role during the great ice storm of 1998.

They were deployed during the 28th G8 summit and 36th G8 summit.

They were also deployed to secure the 2010 Winter Olympics during the Operation Podium.