HMCS Robert Hampton Gray Conducts Successful Aviation Trials With The Canadian Coast Guard
Update
HMCS Robert Hampton Gray has announced the sucsessful trial embarking of a CCG helicopter, conducted yesterday in Halifax. The trial aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of operating a Coast Guard helicopter, in this case one of the Bell 429, from the AOPS.
This trial not only explores the feasibility of future cooperation between the DND and CCG, but also helps the Coast Guard prepare for the introduction of her own AOPS, to which Donjek will be delivered later this year.
With the CCG under the Defence Team, we can expect that similar trials and conceptual exploration will pick up in the coming years as the CCG, DND, and Federal Government better refine what capabilities the CCG meeds to better carry out her new security mandate.
The following statement and images were also included:
“Today we embarked a Canadian Coast Guard Bell 429 Helo to determine if they will fit in the hangar. This is the second step, to be followed by at sea trials in a few months in shipboard helicopter operational limit trials (SHOL). This will allow RCN, RCAF and CCG to further integrate as we continue to welcome CCG under the DND family. If trials are successful, this will open up new opportunities for both agencies, and assist CCG in preparing for the arrival of their two AOPVs over the next 2 years.”
Way bigger flight deck than a 1100 Class, and bigger hanger. Frankly Canada should buy 6 more of these helicopters, paint them gray and fly them under the same arrangement as the CCG has, but on the AOP's during domestic patrols and perhaps the Caribbean.
Well, it sure looks like it fits in the hanger better than the cyclone!
Does this mean they might go ahead and install the bear trap on the AOPS? At least the ones for the CCG. Do the Coasties use bear traps on any of their other ships?