CORMORANT UPGRADE PLANS

摘要

THE CANADIAN DEPARTMENT of Defence has selected Leonardo to carry out a midlife update of its fleet of 14 CH-149 search and rescue (SAR) helicopters. The Cormorants, which are based on Leonardo's AW101, first entered service in 2002 and the upgrades will allow them to remain in service until 2040. The mid-life update will modernize the aircraft's flight management, communications, navigation and safety systems and make them compatible with upcoming airspace regulatory requirements. The aircraft will also reportedly be equipped with a new improved electro-optical camera system.