Bell CH-146 Griffon

History of Bell CH-146 Griffon

When the Canadian Armed Forces introduced their new "all-around" helicopter platform in 1995, they chose the Bell 412 - an evolution of the very successful Huey cavalry helicopter during the Vietnam War. The Bell 412 itself is an evolution of the earlier Bell 212 model, although it now features a four-blade composite main rotor instead of the original two-blade system for more power.

The Bell 412 first flew in August 1979, and Canada began producing the product locally in 1989, where the Pratt & Whitney turboshaft engine was built. Adopted as the CH-146 "Griffin", this Canadian native variant made its own maiden flight in 1992, followed by 100 produced and delivered in 1997 - the CH-146 was based on the Bell Model 412EP ("Enhanced Performance") The Griffon's listing and model is CH-146CF ("Canadian Forces").

The CH-146 replaced the aging line of the then-in-service CH-118 helicopters - which were based on the original Bell UH-1 "Huey".

This helicopter serves the Canadian Armed Forces through its Air Force, Combat Support, Training and Search and Rescue (SAR) services. About half a dozen training squadrons used this type.

The SAR version is painted in a bright yellow finish, while the military version features a dark camouflage pattern. The overall design and configuration of the CH-146 is identical in every respect to the Bell 412. It features a two-seat cockpit (side-by-side) with excellent views from the front, side and bottom windows.

Access is via automotive-style hinged doors on both sides of the fuselage. The cabin is located amidships and is accessed through a large sliding door with two windows. Above the nacelle is a twin-engine system that drives the four-blade main rotor. The drive shaft is mounted in the tail shaft and leads to a twin-blade tail rotor located on the starboard side of the vertical tail. The Landing Gear is a low-cost, low-maintenance landing gear system.

A typical operator consists of three people, including two pilots and an onboard flight engineer. Passenger separation is for 10 infantry/paratroopers or up to 6 medical evacuees.

Inside the cockpit, avionics include CMC Electronics' CMA-2082A Flight Management System (FMS), night vision support and a fully stabilized WESCAM 16TD-A Thermal Imaging System (TIS).

The CH-146 is equipped with 2 Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-34 turboshaft engines, 900 shp each. Advertised a top speed of 160 mph, a cruising speed of 135 mph, and a range of up to 405 miles.

The platform can be armed for support by a 7.62mm machine gun (C6 series GPMG) or a micro machine gun (Dillon Aero M134D) mounted on pivot brackets on each cabin door. The 12.7mm GAU-21 heavy machine gun system is also supported.

Additional armor can be installed for added protection to the crew and passengers in active fire zones.

To date, CH-146 has been involved in local security and disaster relief efforts across Canada. They also serve in Haiti, Bosnia/Kosovo and most recently Afghanistan.

By removing some of the exterior structural components to make transport smaller, these vehicles can be carried to some extent in the cargo bay of a C-130 Hercules or C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft (CC-130 and CC-177 in Canadian service) Air transport, more compact form factor.

Adopted a modernization program to keep the CH-146 operational in Canada through the early 2020s.

Bell CH-146 Griffin Specs

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