Acquired by Canada in 2004, the CH-149 Cormorant is the helicopter par excellence for search and rescue. Strong and robust, it can operate in any possible condition. It has all the equipment required for search and rescue, including the capacity to transport twelve stretchers, and can carry a load of 5,000 kg. The aircraft was modified to incorporate a ramp at the rear of the fuselage. In addition, it can fly long distances, up to 1 300 km without refueling, which the CH-146 Griffon cannot do. Its modern systems allow it to maintain a stable hover during essential lifting operations. It has, among other things, come to the aid of mountaineers, lost hikers and ship crews in distress.
General characteristics
- Length: 22.8 m (74.8 ft)
- Rotor span: 18.5 m (60.7 ft)
- Height: 6.5 m (21.3 ft)
- Maximum weight: 14,600 kg (32,187 lb)
- Powerplant: Three turbo engines T700-T6A1 from General Electric.
- RCAF fleet: 14 aircrafts
- Equipment: 2 rescue winches of 273 kg, a cargo release hook with frame with a capacity of 4,536 kg, storage compartments for SAR equipment and 12 stretchers
- Locations:
- 9 Wing Gander (T.-N.-L)
- 14 Wing Greenwood (N. -É.)
- 19 Wing Comox (C. -B.)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 278 km/h (150 kts)
- Range: 1,018 km (550 nmi)
- Maximum payload: 5,000 kg (11,023 lb)