Bell announces first flight of RCAF’s CH-146C MK II Griffon helicopter

Bell Textron has announced the successful first flight of one of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF’s) modernized CH-146 Griffon helicopters, a variant of the Bell 412EP, under the Griffon Limited Life Extension (GLLE) project. The GLLE will see Bell provide aircraft modifications to a series of the fleet’s aeronautical components, including its avionics systems, cockpit displays, engines, and sensor systems. This news comes nearly five months after Bell was awarded the In-Service Support (ISS) contract that is positioned to sustain the Force’s fleet through to 2039.

Danny Maldonado, Chief Commercial Officer at Bell, said: “The Bell 412 remains a venerable aircraft of choice for militaries across the world, with the Royal Canadian Air Force operating the largest and best equipped militarized fleet of 412s.”

To commemorate this historic flight milestone, Bell hosted an event at it’s Commercial Centre of Excellence for attendees to witness the first flight of the upgraded platform.

The Royal Canadian Air Force utilizes its fleet of CH-146 Griffons for a multitude of missions, from the provision of worldwide humanitarian relief in support of the United Nations to carrying out reassurance measures under NATO. The fleet is also employed in Canada to provide search and rescue services and support to first responders.

Michael Nault, General Manager of Bell Textron Canada, concluded: “As Canada’s only helicopter manufacturer in-country, Bell is a proud partner of the Canadian Armed Forces. Our facility’s local presence provides us with the ability to work closely with the Canadian government, as well as other local customers to address their aircraft needs.”

The first upgraded CH-146 Griffon completed under the GLLE project is expected to be delivered to the Canadian government in 2026 pending military certification.