The problem is, we cannot, and arguably should not be putting geopolitics aside. We absolutely should not be buying anything from the US at this time, the fact that CAF and DND can’t seem to understand things have changed is quite depressing. I am sure our “operators” love working with the Yanks, and want the same kit, for all the reasons mentioned, it works, it’s easy to procure, we should give the what they need etc…. Except bigger picture ‘trumps’ all of that….
I always thought the Griffins looked nice, but yeah their payload leaves something to be desired. On an air-mobile exercise the crew told us they could only manage to go about 100 feet of the ground with all of us in the back and full fuel. After buring off a hundred or two pounds of fuel they could climb to regular altitutes. But when completely full, they needed the rotor wash to hit the ground to get enough lift to actually fly haha.
You're right that tactical aviation needs a boost, especially for special operations. The Griffon has been stretched thin for years. This stop-gap buy for 427 Squadron makes sense as a quick fix.
But the bigger shift is coming with nTACS. The government's defence update, Our North, Strong and Free, commits $18.4 billion over 20 years to a modern tactical helicopter fleet. That will replace the Griffons properly, with better mobility and capability for the whole force. The special ops birds are just bridging the gap until then.
Crazy idea for the Armed / Recce airframe, make it a UAS specifically the V-247 from Bell. Yeah it’s only a concept so far but why not develop it further to actual airframe.
The MH-60M comes with a AAR probe and if the RCAF is planning on using UAVs in the future; that will likely mean 427 SOAS will require its own dedicated UAV unit.
Yes we need new helicopters ! Here’s the But ( lol) as long as the decision(s) stays open talk is cheap ! So why replace anything when we can give $2.5 billion away !!thoughts?
The wider issue is: why do we continue to permit CANSOF to have a “tight” relationship with USSOFCOM when the relationship has deteriorated to the point it has? CANSOF is by far the most “American” CAF organization, to the point where it’s essentially a branch of the Us military - right down to uniforms.
I get why the Blackhawk would get the nod. I don't like it, but I get it. I always envisioned 427 using a special forces version of the Cormorant myself. Hey we can dream can't we?
Politics aside, given what extreme work JTF2 does & is expected to do…give them what they want.
We can all continue to curse out Lockorsky and still recognize that yeah, this is probably the solution that makes the most sense!
The problem is, we cannot, and arguably should not be putting geopolitics aside. We absolutely should not be buying anything from the US at this time, the fact that CAF and DND can’t seem to understand things have changed is quite depressing. I am sure our “operators” love working with the Yanks, and want the same kit, for all the reasons mentioned, it works, it’s easy to procure, we should give the what they need etc…. Except bigger picture ‘trumps’ all of that….
Great now 427 is gonna buzz troops in the field with a even bigger airframe lol
I'd love a deep-dive on how we got the LAV 3 and LAVUP/LAV 6.0.
One day I will!
I always thought the Griffins looked nice, but yeah their payload leaves something to be desired. On an air-mobile exercise the crew told us they could only manage to go about 100 feet of the ground with all of us in the back and full fuel. After buring off a hundred or two pounds of fuel they could climb to regular altitutes. But when completely full, they needed the rotor wash to hit the ground to get enough lift to actually fly haha.
You're right that tactical aviation needs a boost, especially for special operations. The Griffon has been stretched thin for years. This stop-gap buy for 427 Squadron makes sense as a quick fix.
But the bigger shift is coming with nTACS. The government's defence update, Our North, Strong and Free, commits $18.4 billion over 20 years to a modern tactical helicopter fleet. That will replace the Griffons properly, with better mobility and capability for the whole force. The special ops birds are just bridging the gap until then.
Crazy idea for the Armed / Recce airframe, make it a UAS specifically the V-247 from Bell. Yeah it’s only a concept so far but why not develop it further to actual airframe.
Plus we could potentially build it in Mirabel
The MH-60M comes with a AAR probe and if the RCAF is planning on using UAVs in the future; that will likely mean 427 SOAS will require its own dedicated UAV unit.
Yes we need new helicopters ! Here’s the But ( lol) as long as the decision(s) stays open talk is cheap ! So why replace anything when we can give $2.5 billion away !!thoughts?
Any word Noah on a Tanker version of the H-130J Hercs to replace our H fleet and extend the range of said Blackhawks?
The Herc tankers are not being replaced. Tactical tanking will eventually move to drones..
The wider issue is: why do we continue to permit CANSOF to have a “tight” relationship with USSOFCOM when the relationship has deteriorated to the point it has? CANSOF is by far the most “American” CAF organization, to the point where it’s essentially a branch of the Us military - right down to uniforms.
In my head something like the Wildcat would be ideal, especially if we can operate a utility version of it as well
I get why the Blackhawk would get the nod. I don't like it, but I get it. I always envisioned 427 using a special forces version of the Cormorant myself. Hey we can dream can't we?
Especially now that the Cormorants are assembled at IMP in Halifax.
60’s for CANSOF might as well get
some more for Chinook escort,
some for the Polar Icebreakers
some to replace the Cyclones plus plus
15 RCD
6 AOPS
3 JSS
? CDC
2 Polars
Now whata bout the MH60R????
Its a dedicated naval version of the UH-60.
I know, there are rumors that we'll be replacing the Cyclones with them.
Gotcha!!