Leonardo to Modernize RCAF Search and Rescue Fleet

Leonardo welcomes the continued commitment made by Canada’sMinister of National Defence, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, to modernize andexpand Canada’s primary rotary search and rescue helicopter fleet through theCormorant Mid-Life Upgrade (CMLU) program. The announcement marks a major stepforward ahead of program finalization.

To date, the AW101/CH-149 “Cormorant” has enabled the RoyalCanadian Air Force (RCAF) search and rescue crews to successfully completethousands of rescues, including several that received international recognitionfor their heroism. The CMLU program will upgrade the Cormorants to the latestAW101-612 standard, currently being delivered to Norway, providing a low riskupgrade path with a modern, proven solution. These capability enhancements andequipment improvements will include state-of-the-art avionics, a new “glasscockpit”, the addition of the latest sensors, radar and search enhancementtechnology, more powerful digitally-controlled engines, wireless in-cabincommunications, LED lighting, rescue hoist upgrades, synthetic trainingsolutions and more, enabling the Cormorants to spend less time searching andmore time rescuing stranded Canadians.

Leonardo, as "Team Cormorant” prime contractor, willwork closely with IMP Aerospace and Defence to deliver the CMLU program inCanada, with the work undertaken by Canadians. CAE will deliver Canada’s firstAW101 full motion simulator and other synthetic training capabilities. GECanada will provide the new engines, and Collins Aerospace will provide the newcockpit displays and avionics. Other Canadian suppliers will be engaged througha robust Industrial Technological Benefits (ITB) and Value Proposition program,which will deliver the maximum value of the CMLU and fleet expansion to Canada.

The proposed CMLU and fleet expansion program will bedelivered with no interruption or reduction in rotary search and rescuecapabilities and will return Canada’s primary search and rescue helicopter toservice at Canadian Forces Base Trenton.