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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 and aero-mobility tasks.

The Griffon is built at Mirabel, Quebec, at the Bell Canadian plant. They are delivered 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.^[1]

The Canadian Forces purchased 100 airframes between 1995 to 1997; 85 are serving in the tactical-helicopter role at CFB Edmonton, CFB Petawawa, CFB Valcartier, and CFB Gagetown. The remainder of the aircraft are being used in search-and-rescue roles in Combat Support Squadrons at 4 Wing Cold Lake, 3 Wing Bagotville, and 5 Wing Goose Bay as well as reserve air force units including 400 Squadron at CFB Borden and 438 Squadron in St-Hubert, Quebec.^[2]

One interesting feature of the Griffon is a small camera mounted in the nose of the aircraft pointed up at the rotor. By observing a small yellow paint stripe on the rotor, the autopilot can detect the classic "hoola-hoop" motion and correct it, smoothing the ride.

Minor disassembly permits transport of the Griffon by CC-130 Hercules cargo aircraft for long-distance deployment.^[3]

[edit] Specifications (CH-146)

This aircraft article is missing some (or all) of its specifications. If you have a source, you can help Wikipedia by adding them.

[edit] General characteristics

• Crew: Three (pilot, co-pilot & flight engineer)
• Capacity: 12 troops or 6 stretchers
• 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 (11,781 lb)
• Powerplant: 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-3D turboshaft engine, 900 shp (671 kW) each

[edit] Performance

• Maximum speed: 260 km/h (139 knots, 160 mph)
• Cruise speed: 220 km/h (118 knots, 136 mph)
• Range: 656 km (354 nm, 405 mi)

[edit] Armament

• 7.62 mm C6 GPMG mounted in doors
• Removable armour to protect crew and cabin area occupants from small arms fire and shrapnel

[edit] Avionics

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• The Canadian Army - Equipment - Griffon Helicopter (CH-146)
• Canada's Air Force - Aircraft - CH-146 Griffon

[edit] See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

UH-1

[edit] Related development

• Bell 412
• UH-1 Iroquois
• Bell 212

[edit] Designation sequence

• Bell:
  • 406 - 407 - 409 - 412 - 417 - 427 - 429
• Canadian Military:
  • C-130 - CH-146 - CH-147 - CH-148 - CH-149 - CC-150

[edit] Related lists

• List of civil aircraft
• List of active Canadian military aircraft

[edit] See also

Template:CF aircraft

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