[img]https://i.imgur.com/Lk3NiNu.gif[/img]
Specifications:
Speed
150 k/m
Fuel
6138 L
Weight
4162
Cost
102808
Seats
13 + Med Bed
Engines
2General Electric T700-T6A1
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CH‑149 Cormorant:
1. Origin and Development
The CH‑149 Cormorant is the Canadian variant of the AgustaWestland AW101 medium multi‑role helicopter (known in the UK as the EH101 Merlin). Its development began in 1977, commissioned by the UK Ministry of Defence as an anti‑submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter to replace the Westland Sea King.
In 1979, British Westland and Italian Agusta formed a joint venture, EH Industries, to execute the project. The first prototype took flight on 9 October 1987.
2. Canadian Order and Plan Changes
In 1987, Canada ordered 48 helicopters (later reduced to 42) to replace the CH‑124 Sea King and CH‑113 Labrador. Two variants were planned:
CH‑148 Petrel (anti‑submarine);
CH‑149 Chimo (search and rescue).
In 1993, the program was cancelled by the new government; Canada paid a $157.8 million penalty.
3. Revival of the Project: CH‑149 Cormorant
In 1998, Canada announced the replacement of the CH‑113 Labrador with a new search and rescue variant of the EH101 — the CH‑149 Cormorant. Unlike the previous contract, 15 helicopters were fully assembled in Europe.
First flight of the Canadian version: 31 May 2000.
Entered service: 2001.
The first two helicopters arrived in Canada in September 2001 and became operational in 2002.
4. Operational Use
2002: First mission — medical evacuation from a merchant vessel in the Hecate Strait (200 km offshore).
January 2003: Record‑breaking rescue mission to the Finnish vessel MS Camilla near Newfoundland (1 200 km round trip, two refuellings at an oil platform).
October 2006: Rescue of people from a rocky cliff in a canyon (awarded the international Prince Philip Helicopter Rescue Award).
August 2010: Total flight time of 14 helicopters exceeded 40 000 hours (the highest among all AW101s worldwide).
5. Modernization
In 2017, the Canadian government announced the Mid‑Life Upgrade (MLU) program, valued at approximately C$1.5 billion:
Avionics and mission systems upgrade;
Installation of modern radars;
Upgrading of General Electric CT7‑8E engines;
Fleet expansion using former US VH‑71 Kestrel helicopters.
6. Current Status
The CH‑149 Cormorant remains the primary search and rescue helicopter of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), operated by three squadrons:
103 Search and Rescue Squadron;
413 Transport and Rescue Squadron;
442 Transport and Rescue Squadron.
Key Specifications:
Crew: 5 personnel (2 pilots, flight engineer, 2 technicians);
Capacity: up to 15 combat troops or 12 stretchers;
Engines: 3 × General Electric CT7‑8E (3 000 hp each);
Maximum speed: 173 mph (280 km/h);
Range: 865 miles (1 392 km);
Service ceiling: 10 000 feet (3 048 m).
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