Ottawa, Canada 28 May 2024 — Smith Myers has proclaimed that it has been selected to be incorporated into the Cormorant Search and Rescue Helicopter Mid-Life Upgrade (CMLU) Initiative. The Smith Myers’ ARTEMIS Mobile Phone Detection Location System has been designated as a crucial component of the enhancement.
The CMLU Initiative aims to update Canada’s AW101/CH-149 “Cormorant” SAR helicopter fleet to the latest benchmark, aligning with Norway’s SAR proficiencies – which has similarly opted for the Smith Myers ARTEMIS system.
The Canadian Department of National Defence has granted the substantial $1 billion CAD (€690 million) contract to Leonardo for the CMLU Initiative, covering 16 aircraft, including the modernization of three additional Cormorant helicopters. This investment not only seeks to enhance the fleet’s systems and technologies but also strives to ensure compliance with evolving airspace requirements, extending the helicopters’ operational lifespan into 2042 and beyond.
Smith Myers’ ARTEMIS Mobile Phone Detection Location System is an essential inclusion in the CMLU, boosting the overall effectiveness of search and rescue operations. This advanced technology enables precise mobile phone detection, enhancing location accuracy and reducing search times. The result is a more efficient and targeted rescue mission, enabling “less search and more rescue.”
“Being selected as part of this pivotal mid-life search and rescue (SAR) enhancement and as the Mobile Phone Detection, Communication, and Location system of choice for the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force), across both fixed and rotary wing platforms is a remarkable privilege,” stated Andrew Munro, Managing Director.
“We are excited to take part in this groundbreaking project and contribute to the advancement of search and rescue capabilities for the RCAF. ARTEMIS represents Smith Myers’ commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that significantly impact vital operations,” he added.
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, emphasized the significance of the CMLU program in equipping the RCAF with an advanced, all-weather search and rescue capability.
“The AW101/CH-149 “Cormorant” Search and Rescue helicopter fleet will grant the Royal Canadian Air Force a continuous robust, high-tech all-weather SAR capability across Canada. The CMLU initiative through Team Cormorant will reduce the expenses of fleet maintenance while further enhancing reliability, capability, and safety for Canadian citizens.”
The collaboration under Team Cormorant includes Leonardo, IMP Aerospace and Defence, GE Canada, and Collins Aerospace Canada.
ARTEMIS has been actively engaged, saving lives globally since 2017. The growing international clientele includes numerous programs across the UK, Europe, North America, South America, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
