Bell Helicopter bags Canada’s coast guard helicopter delivery contract

Bell Helicopter has been awarded a contract by the Government of Canada to supply light-lift helicopters intended to help renew the capabilities of the Coast Guard’s existing helicopter fleet.

Under the $172m contract awarded as part of the Coast Guard’s Fleet Renewal Program, the company will be responsible for delivering 15 model 429 helicopters, which offer a cruise speed of 278kmph.

Canada Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Gail Shea said: "Renewing the Canadian Coast Guard fleet of helicopters will improve the Coast Guard’s air support capability from coast to coast and in Canada’s North."

Details of the deal are yet to be finalised, however, the first of 15 Bell model 429 helicopters is anticipated to be delivered by May 2015, followed by one each per month thereafter.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2012 offered $5.2bn in new funding for the Canadian Coast Guard’s Fleet Renewal Plan, which also involves acquiring medium-lift helicopters and simulators.

In addition to supporting science and fisheries enforcement, Coast Guard helicopters also support activities including ice reconnaissance, maintenance and construction of aids to navigation and telecommunications equipment, personnel and cargo transfer between ship and shore.

Featuring single pilot IFR and WAAS precision approach capabilities, the helicopter can accommodate up to seven passengers plus a pilot, or as per the mission requirements.

The helicopter’s glass cockpit features BasiX-Pro Integrated Avionics System featuring two/three multi-function displays, dual digital 3-axis autopilot and an integrated electronic data recorder that boosts situational awareness and post flight analysis.

Safety features of the helicopter include a collective mounted throttles, damage tolerant hub and rotor system, energy attenuating seats and outstanding OEI performance.

Image: Bell’s model 429 helicopter. Photo: Courtesy of Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.