Courtesy of the National Film Board – I5 films about Canadian Aviation.
You can see all 15 via the NFB Blog
Birth of a Giant (1957)
This film tells the story of the conception, construction and testing of the Canadair CP-107 Argus
Birth of a Giant by Hugh O'Connor, National Film Board of Canada
(Above Left-Right) CC-115 Buffalo, CC-138 Twin Otter, CC-130 Hercules (DND Combat Camera Photo) Above we have the Existing Fixed Wing SAR Fleet. The Buffalo and Twin Otter are both DeHavilland Canada Designs, and the C130 is built by Lockheed.
The RCAF currently designates 13 CC130H Hercules and six CC115 Buffalo aircraft for FWSAR response. The Hercules operate from CFBs Greenwood, Trenton, and Winnipeg, while the Buffalos are all based at CFB Comox. Of these, the six Buffalos and the Hercules at Greenwood and Trenton are dedicated to SAR. The Buffalos have been in service since the 1960s, while many of the Hercules date from the1970s, and all are now approaching the end of their effective service lives. The RCAF Twin Otters are currently based in Yellowknife.
its worth noting that canada currently has two Models of C130 – H and J. the J models are current and are used for transport. the Older H models are dedicated to SAR.
The Contenders:
Dash-8 with Field Air Operable Door
The Dash8, is also a DeHavilland Canada design though now built by Bombardier and marketed as the Q400. The Stock aircraft is modified for SAR use by Field Aviation, and includes an air operable side doors. it has the longest range after the C130, is built in Canada, and the modification is in use with 29 Aircraft already in service. Transport Canada’s Arial surveillance program uses Dash-8 -100 aircraft, so the type is quite Familiar to Canadian’s (Porter and Westjet Encore also use the type exclusively)
The above Photo shows a Swedish plane, prior to delivery, still with Canadian Registration.
Airbus Military C295
Viewed from the onset as the favorite by DND, This Italian aircraft began as the Fiat g.222 and was updated in partnership with Lockheed. One benefit is that the C-27J is in many ways compatible with a C130. It is the Fastest, and has the longest range, but it is also the heaviest, limiting use on northern airstrips, and features poor low speed performance. It should be noted that the Italians don’t use the aircraft for FWSAR, Favoring much smaller aircraft, and leaning towards a variant of the ATR-42 commuter plane, a contemporary of the Q400.
Viking Air DHC-5NG Buffalo
Viking Air Purchased the type certificates for All Dehavilland Canada Aircraft except the Dash-8. The DHC-5NG is a proposed new production run of the Same aircraft to be replaced. the aircraft would be outfitted with modern systems and electronics, however the airframe would remain the same. Viking recently re-launched Twin Otter Production, with a modernized airframe and has had good success with it. The Buffalo is certainly suited to the Job – It performs it currently, and the aircraft is light, and has good slow speed performance. Its not pressurized however, so Altitude is Limited.
The Original development of the Buffalo occurred at the same period as the g.222, predecessor of the C27J
| C-27J | DHC-5NG | C-295 | Q400 | HC-130J | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wing span | 94′ 2″ | 96′ 0″ | 84′ 8″ | 93′ 3″ | 132′ 7″ |
| Overall length | 74′ 6″ | 79′ 0″ | 80′ 4″ | 107′ 9″ | 97′ 9″ |
| Overall height | 34′ 8″ | 28′ 8″ | 28′ 5″ | 27′ 5″ | 38′ 9″ |
| Cabin length | 28′ 1″ | 31′ 5″ | 41′ 8″ | 61′ 8″ | 40′ 0″ |
| Cabin width | 8′ 0″ | 8′ 9″ | 8′ 10″ | 6′ 8″ | 9′ 9″ |
| Cabin height | 7′ 4″ | 6′ 10″ | 6′ 10″ | 6′ 5″ | 9′ 0″ |
| Operating Weight Empty [lbs] | 37,480 | 24,000 | 24,251 | 39,284 | 89,000 |
| Max Take Off Weight [lbs] | 70,106 | 49,200 | 51,150 | 65,200 | 164,000 |
| Max Payload [lbs] | 19,842 | *18,000+ | 20,400 | 18,716 | 35,000 |
| Maximum speed [knots] | 325 | *300+ | 311 | 360 | 360 |
| Range [nm] | 2,300 | *600+ | 2,430 | 1,500-3,000 | 3,480 |
Vertical Mag is reporting that Sikorsky and DND have confirmed that Flight training on the CH-148 cyclone will begin this month. There are currently 4 “Interim” Helicopters currently located at Shearwater, which are complete and functioning Airframes, however they lack completed mission software.
the CH148 is a military, fly by wire version of Sikorsky S-92, which is currently in use by Cougar and Canadian Helicopters (CHC) to service the offshore industry.
(Above)Cyclone performs flight testing off HMCS Montreal in 2010
From Wednesday, August 7, until Tuesday, August 27, asphalt will be replaced at the intersection of the airport’s two runways. The work is necessary to maintain the integrity of this high-traffic area and to ensure long term safety and reliability.
Following extensive weather research and analysis, the construction schedule was developed to minimize the risk of impacts on flights from weather conditions such as high winds or low visibility. The work is planned during a time when the lowest risk of weather impacts exists. However, unusual weather conditions may occur that have the potential to impact flight schedules and create delays. The Airport Authority is working with airlines to ensure that appropriate contingency plans are in place.
The location of the work requires that the airport’s secondary runway (14/32) be closed, the operational length of the main runway (05/23) will be shortened for the duration of the project and while other flight navigation aids will be operational, the instrument landing system on the main runway will be unavailable.
Halifax Stanfield’s main runway is 10,500 feet long. During the 21 days of construction, it will be shortened to just over 8,700 feet. Prior to the runway extension last year, this runway was 8,800 feet. Therefore, the reduced runway length should not be a factor for aircraft scheduled to land at Halifax Stanfield.
Following a competitive tendering process, the construction contract was awarded to Cumberland Paving and Contracting of The Miller Group, Halifax Nova Scotia.
With Planes Landing Long, there should be some better photography opportunities
This is the Canadair CL-84 Dynavert. The Canadair CL-84 “Dynavert”, designated by the Canadian Forces as the CX-131, was a V/STOL turbine tiltwing monoplane designed and built by Canadair between 1964 and 1972. Only four of these experimental aircraft were built with three entering flight testing. In over 700 flights, the aircraft passed all its tests, and was raved about by Canadian, British and American Pilots. Alas, no orders came, and the 2 remaining aircraft are now Museum Pieces. The only Complete aircraft is at the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa.
This coming weekend marks the 50th Anniversary of the Canadian Sea King Helicopter. The First Airframe was Delivered in 1963. over the years, there have been electronics improvements, and the fleet was re-engined with new gearboxes in the early 90’s.
On Thursday at noon, there will be a Ceremony with flypast at grand parade. For More information on the Events, See http://www.seaking50.ca
So given ADS-B dongle, Plus a collection of Aviation Photos, I thought it time for another blog.
It will be sporadic, But i hope you enjoy.
A-319 Painted as a Trans Canada Airlines Craft, to mark the 60th anniversary of the Airline.
Spotted in Halifax on July 12 2013
Halifax Airport tweeted that a Rusian Tupolev154 will be landing around 4 pm at Halifax Stanfield Airport. This Flight was previouslly Announced by a DND Press release, though its landing here was not mentioned.
If you happen to be by the Airport, I’d love to See photos. (Above photo from Trentonian.ca)
The Release:
A Russian Federation aircraft will conduct aerial observation flights
over Canada under the Treaty on Open Skies during the period July 17 to
19, 2013.
The unarmed Tupolev TU-154M
aircraft, which arrived at 8 Wing Trenton today, will be accorded
Russia’s legal right of unimpeded observation overflight of Canadian
territory, in fulfilment of Canada’s obligations as a State Party to the
Treaty on Open Skies. Using an array of onboard sensors, the aircraft
can observe and verify objects of interest or concern, such as military
sites, industrial centres, communications facilities and transportation
hubs.
The Treaty on Open Skies, which entered into force on
January 1, 2002, is a legally-binding accord that promotes increased
confidence and transparency amongst its 34 States Parties. As Treaty
co-depository with Hungary, Canada has exercised its Treaty rights by
conducting observation flights over the Russian Federation, Belarus,
Georgia, Ukraine and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This marks the ninth
time a foreign State Party will have conducted an observation flight
mission in Canada, the first having taken place in September 2004.
Canadian military escorts and technical specialists will be aboard the
Russian aircraft throughout the mission to ensure safety, security and
compliance by monitoring imaging systems and strict adherence to the
agreed observation flight route and profile.
Canada is a
signatory to several security treaties, including those dedicated to the
elimination, reduction or control of weapons of mass destruction,
conventional armaments and equipment, and associated military forces.
The Treaty on Open Skies is one example of how Canada exercises its
commitment to reducing the threat of armed conflict by increasing trust
and confidence though greater openness and transparency amongst states.
