The contract contains upgrades of 13 current Cormorant SAR helicopters and the augmentation of an additional three plane, delivering larger capabilities and lengthening fleet life expectancy to 2042+. The programme can be executed by Crew Cormorant led by Leonardo and comprising IMP Aerospace and Defence, GE Canada and Collins Aerospace Canada . The Canadian Division of Nationwide Defence has awarded Leonardo (by way of Leonardo U.Okay. Ltd of Yeovil) a $1 billion CAN (€690 million) contract for the AW101/CH-149 “Cormorant” Mid-Life Improve (CMLU) Challenge for 16 plane in complete, comprising 13 current Cormorant Search and Rescue Helicopter (CSH) at present in-service and the augmentation of an additional three plane. This contract will improve the plane’s methods and applied sciences, guarantee compliance with rising airspace necessities, lengthen the life expectancy of the fleet to 2042+ and allow the return of Cormorant helicopters to the Principal Working Base (MOB) Trenton.
After distinguished 20-years of service life, the CH-149 Cormorant fleet will now endure a mid-life improve, additional to Crew Cormorant’s proposition. The group is a collaboration of Leonardo and is supported by its precept Canadian subcontractor IMP Aerospace and Defence along with GE Canada, and Collins Aerospace Canada. Nearly all of the CMLU work can be carried out in Canada, primarily at IMP’s Halifax, N.S. amenities. The CMLU Challenge will transition Canada’s AW101/CH-149 “Cormorant” SAR helicopter fleet to the newest customary at present being delivered for SAR in Norway and arguably the most effective search and rescue helicopter on this planet. The CMLU Challenge will embody; state-of-the-art avionics, a brand new glass cockpit, extra highly effective digitally-controlled engines, wi-fi in-cabin communications, the newest SAR sensors together with Electro Optical Infra-Purple machine and Cellular Cellphone Detection Location System –enabling much less search and extra rescue.
Commercial
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, mentioned: “The AW101/CH-149 “Cormorant” Search and Rescue helicopter fleet will present the Royal Canadian Air Drive with the sustainment of a sturdy, high-tech all climate SAR functionality throughout Canada. The CMLU programme by way of Crew Cormorant will cut back the price of fleet possession, whereas additional rising reliability, functionality and security for Canadian folks.”
Alessandro Profumo, Chief Govt Officer of Leonardo, mentioned: “With the Cormorant helicopter the Canadian Authorities is getting the appropriate tools for his or her Forces, at the most effective value for Canadians, with the appropriate advantages for Canadian business. Leonardo is proud to guide with our Crew Cormorant companions the AW101/CH-149 “Cormorant” Search and Rescue helicopter fleet improve as introduced by the Canadian Authorities. With the Cormorant helicopter the Authorities is getting the appropriate tools for the Canadian Forces, at the most effective value for Canadians, with the appropriate advantages for Canadian business.”
In July 2022 there was the primary operational flight anniversary of the Cormorant, which came about in 2002, and the primary supply came about in October 2001. The fleet has now achieved in extra of 100,000 flight hours. The AW101 is essentially the most superior medium carry helicopter obtainable at the moment and is in service, in manufacturing and in demand for its confirmed efficiency. The AW101 presents long-range, giant capability and superior know-how, all mixed in an economical, multi-mission plane opening up a brand new period in rotary wing operations. Over 220 AW101 helicopters have been ordered to this point by prospects worldwide to carry out a lot of roles together with SAR, Fight SAR, Personnel Restoration, Particular Forces Operations, utility, troop transport, Anti-Floor Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Airborne Early Warning, mine sweeping. The worldwide fleet has exceeded 500,000 flight hours in operations from the Arctic to the Antarctic.
