First overhauled CH-149 Cormorant takes flight in Yeovil under mid-life upgrade

First overhauled CH-149 Cormorant takes flight in Yeovil under mid-life upgrade marks the start of flight checks for Canada’s upgraded search and rescue helicopters. The first Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CH-149, overhauled under the mid-life upgrade (MLU), began flight checks at Leonardo Helicopters’ Yeovil site in the UK, with photos released by Canada’s Department of National Defence dated 3 July. The CH-149 is based on Leonardo’s AW101 military rotorcraft and is tailored for personnel recovery and combat search and rescue. Under the MLU, existing helicopters will be reconfigured to the AW101-612 design standard, including updates to the three GE Aerospace T700 turboshaft engines to raise the operational ceiling to 15,000 feet. Avionics, search and rescue sensors, and wireless in-cabin communications are also planned to be upgraded to meet new civil aviation regulations. Canada operates 13 CH-149s across Comox, Greenwood, and Gander, with each aircraft offering 583 nm range, 19 passenger capacity, 12 stretchers, or 5,000 kg of cargo. Three new-build AW101s will be added to bring the fleet to 16, with the full program valued at C$1.24 billion and targeted to complete by 2030.