The Canadian Ministry of National Defence has granted Leonardo (via Leonardo U.K. Ltd of Yeovil) a substantial $1 billion CAD (€690 million) agreement for the AW101/CH-149 “Cormorant” Mid-Life Upgrade (CMLU) Initiative for a total of 16 helicopters, which includes 13 current Cormorant Search and Rescue Helicopters (CSH) in operation and the enhancement of an additional three units. This agreement aims to upgrade the aircraft’s systems and technologies, guarantee adherence to emerging airspace regulations, extend the operational lifespan of the fleet to beyond 2042, and facilitate the return of Cormorant helicopters to the Main Operating Base (MOB) in Trenton.
Following an esteemed 20-year service life, the CH-149 Cormorant fleet is set to undergo a mid-life enhancement, thanks to the proposal from Team Cormorant. This team comprises Leonardo and is bolstered by its key Canadian subcontractor IMP Aerospace and Defence, along with GE Canada and Collins Aerospace Canada. The majority of the CMLU tasks will be conducted in Canada, predominantly at IMP’s facilities in Halifax, N.S.
The CMLU Initiative will transition Canada’s AW101/CH-149 “Cormorant” SAR helicopter fleet to the latest standard being supplied for SAR operations in Norway, arguably making it the finest search and rescue helicopter globally. The CMLU Initiative will encompass; cutting-edge avionics, a modern glass cockpit, more powerful digitally-controlled engines, wireless in-cabin communication, and the latest SAR sensors including Electro Optical Infra-Red devices and Mobile Phone Detection Location Systems – facilitating expedited rescue operations with less search time.
Alessandro Profumo, Chief Executive Officer of Leonardo, remarked: “Leonardo is honored to spearhead the AW101/CH-149 “Cormorant” Search and Rescue helicopter fleet upgrade alongside our Team Cormorant associates, as disclosed by the Canadian Government. With the Cormorant helicopter, the Government is securing optimal equipment for the Canadian Forces, at competitive pricing for Canadians, while also promoting benefits for Canadian industry.”
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, asserted: “The AW101/CH-149 “Cormorant” Search and Rescue helicopter fleet will deliver the Royal Canadian Air Force a sustainable, advanced all-weather SAR capability across the nation. The CMLU program through Team Cormorant will lower fleet ownership costs, while simultaneously enhancing reliability, capability, and safety for the Canadian populace.”
In July 2022, we celebrated the first operational flight anniversary of the Cormorant, initially launched in 2002, with the first delivery occurring in October 2001. The fleet has surpassed 100,000 flight hours. The AW101 is recognized as the most sophisticated medium-lift helicopter currently available, actively in service, production, and high demand due to its proven performance. The AW101 features long-range capability, substantial capacity, and advanced technology, all encapsulated in a cost-efficient, multi-mission aircraft, ushering in a new phase in rotary wing operations. To date, over 220 AW101 helicopters have been procured by customers globally for a myriad of roles including SAR, Combat SAR, Personnel Recovery, Special Forces Operations, utility missions, troop transport, Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Airborne Early Warning, and mine sweeping. The worldwide fleet has exceeded 500,000 flight hours in operations, from the Arctic to the Antarctic.
