Three CH-146 Griffon helicopters are on strength with 5 Wing's 444 Combat Support Squadron.

The helicopters are used for several missions, including as a search and rescue platform. Their primary mission is to provide rapid response to local emergencies during flight operations.

Griffon Image Gallery

At 5 Wing, search and rescue technicians (SAR Techs) form part of the Griffon's crew, providing an eight-hour standby for search and rescue operations.

As Canada's Utility Transport Tactical Helicopter (UTTH), the Griffon provides a robust, reliable and cost-effective capability to conduct: airlift of equipment and personnel, command and liaison flights, surveillance and reconnaissance, casualty evacuation, logistic transport, search and rescue, counter-drug operations, and domestic relief operations.

It has an advanced avionics suite, three-axis autopilot and a (NVG) night vision goggle compatible cockpit. It can also be fitted with FLIR (Forward Looking Infra Red), a powerful winch for search and rescue missions and a Searchlight for nighttime visibility.

CH-146 Quick Facts

Length: 17.1 m
Rotorspan: 14 m
Height: 4.6 m
Weight: 5,355 kg
Power: : Pratt & Whitney's PT6T-3D engine
Speed: 220 km/h (cruise) up to 260 km/h (maximum speed)
Range: 656 km (with full tanks)
Passengers: 13 (including crew)
Crew: Two pilots, one flight engineer
Year(s) procured: 1995 to 1997
Quantity in CF: 99 (3 at 5 Wing)