Ottawa, Canada 28 May 2024 — Smith Myers has announced that it has been chosen to be integrated into the Cormorant Search and Rescue Helicopter Mid-Life Upgrade (CMLU) Project. The Smith Myers’ ARTEMIS Mobile Phone Detection Location System has been selected as a key element of the enhancement.
The CMLU Project aspires to modernize Canada’s AW101/CH-149 “Cormorant” SAR helicopter fleet to the most current standard, aligning with Norway’s SAR capabilities – which has also opted for the Smith Myers ARTEMIS system.
The Canadian Department of National Defence has awarded the significant $1 billion CAN (€690 million) contract to Leonardo for the CMLU Project, which encompasses 16 aircraft, including the enhancement of three additional Cormorant helicopters. This investment aims to not only improve the fleet’s systems and technologies but also to ensure conformity with emerging airspace demands, prolonging the helicopters’ life expectancy into 2042 and beyond.
Smith Myers’ ARTEMIS Mobile Phone Detection Location System is a vital addition to the CMLU, enhancing the overall efficiency of search and rescue operations. This cutting-edge technology facilitates exact mobile phone detection, improving location precision and minimizing search durations. The outcome is a more effective and concentrated rescue initiative, enabling “less search and more rescue.”
“Being appointed as a part of this significant mid-life search and rescue (SAR) upgrade and as the Mobile Phone Detection, Communication and Location system of choice for the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force), across fixed and rotary wing platforms is a tremendous honor,” stated Andrew Munro, Managing Director.
“We are thrilled to be involved in this transformative initiative and contribute to the enhancement of search and rescue capabilities for the RCAF. ARTEMIS exemplifies Smith Myers’ dedication to delivering state-of-the-art solutions that positively influence critical operations,” he added.
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, highlighted the influence of the CMLU program on furnishing the RCAF with a sophisticated, all-weather search and rescue capability.
“The AW101/CH-149 “Cormorant” Search and Rescue helicopter fleet will provide the Royal Canadian Air Force with a sustained robust, high-tech all-weather SAR capability throughout Canada. The CMLU programme through Team Cormorant will diminish the cost of fleet ownership, while further augmenting reliability, capability, and safety for Canadian citizens.”
The partnership under Team Cormorant includes Leonardo, IMP Aerospace and Defence, GE Canada, and Collins Aerospace Canada.
ARTEMIS has been actively operational, saving lives worldwide since 2017. The expanding global clientele features numerous programmes in the UK, Europe, North America, South America, South East Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
