AW Cormorant Trophy

[Cyclic Hotline]

I'm not sure who generates or approves these Press Releases, but they are designed to convey a message that may not include crucial information in the hope no-one knows any better, or bothers to research the actual events.

This award (see link below) comes as "After distinguished 20-years of service life, the CH-149 Cormorant fleet requires a mid-life upgrade which is being proposed by Team Cormorant, a collaboration of Leonardo, together with its Canadian partners, IMP Aerospace and Defence, CAE, GE Canada, and Collins Aerospace Canada." The Cormorant Mid-Life Upgrade (CMLU) Project will address obsolescence issues, ensure compliance with emerging airspace requirements, extend the life expectancy of the fleet to 2042+ and provide the option to augment the fleet, enabling the return of Cormorant helicopters to the Main Operating Base (MOB) Trenton. The majority of the CMLU work will be performed in Canada, primarily at IMP’s Halifax, N.S. facilities. Read more at https://helihub.com/2022/06/02/leonardo-awards-cormorant-trophy/"

The Press Release further states "The Cormorant helicopter and its RCAF crews have served Canadians with exemplary service over the past 20-years, and this continues as evidenced during recent missions, such as the rescue of 31 people from a sinking offshore scallop dragger off the coast of Nova Scotia in 2021. The Cormorant was part of a fixed- and rotary-wing team that supported this critical rescue operation."

But, there is much more to this story, and it doesn't reflect well on this aircraft and its capabilities. I was genuinely shocked when I read this at the time it occurred, and figured more information would come out regarding the circumstances. So, now check out this detailed account of events - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/helicopter-malfunction-teamwork-led-to-successful-rescue-1.5937091 (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/helicopter-malfunction-teamwork-led-to-successful-rescue-1.5937091)

Rescuers saved all 31 crew members from the fishing vessel Atlantic Destiny (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/fishing-vessel-rescue-yarmouth-nova-scotia-1.5934485) hours before it went down Wednesday. The ship was in distress and taking on water after a fire broke out on board Tuesday night off the southwest coast of Nova Scotia.

Maj. Mark Norris, acting commander of the 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron at CFB Greenwood, said in an interview it was "a very, very difficult night," complicated by high winds and six- to eight-metre swells.

"Getting a call any night for a rescue mission, whether it's four people or 31 people, is challenging," he said. "But the size and the amount of folks that we had to rescue was quite significant, given that we had very challenging conditions on scene and it was nighttime."

"Norris said a Cormorant helicopter malfunctioned during the rescue after hoisting six people off the Atlantic Destiny, while two search and rescue technicians were still on the ship with the crew.

He said the malfunction led them to stop their rescue operations, secure and make the aircraft safe, get to a safe altitude and get back to shore. The aircraft flew back to the airport in Yarmouth and stayed there while two U.S. Coast Guard helicopters from Cape Cod lifted 21 crew off the vessel, one by one.

It took about 12 hours to get everyone to safety.

The issue with the Canadian helicopter was a hydraulic malfunction.

A second Cormorant was dispatched from Greenwood to try to airlift the last four crew members and the two technicians, but encountered issues with its hoist.

The remaining six had to jump in very rough seas off the much higher Atlantic Destiny to the small Zodiac.

By then, the Canadian Coast Guard — which Norris described as the "unsung hero in this whole operation" — was on scene with its vessel Cape Roger, which used a fast-rescue craft to get the last six people off the ship.

[[email protected]]

Aircraft go wrong - it happens.

[Cyclic Hotline]

Aircraft go wrong - it happens.

Yes, I completely agree, which is why I never commented on the original story from the time of publication. The real result was that all concerned were rescued with no lives lost - this was a heavy-duty mission with a notable outcome. However, when this situation is spun into; "The Cormorant helicopter and its RCAF crews have served Canadians with exemplary service over the past 20-years, and this continues as evidenced during recent missions, such as the rescue of 31 people from a sinking offshore scallop dragger off the coast of Nova Scotia in 2021", then I'm going to call BS on this claim. The Cormorant was a complete and utter failure in this call. The two machines both broke down, and they even had to leave their crewmen behind on a sinking ship at night, in huge seas. Fortunately, the location was accessible by the US Coastguard who actually did the real lifting with a Jayhawk, although the final six had to jump into the sea and get rescued by boat. The history of failure from the Cormorant has been well detailed over the years, and now it's time for a mid-life update, and all the politics and conniving that goes on at the CANSEC military show results in a press release of this nature - which is actually commercially produced FAKE NEWS.

There is one other little throw-away story in that Press Release - the disastrous deployment of the Cormorant to 424 Squadron at Trenton. The Cormorant Mid-Life Upgrade (CMLU) Project will address obsolescence issues, ensure compliance with emerging airspace requirements, extend the life expectancy of the fleet to 2042+ and provide the option to augment the fleet, enabling the return of Cormorant helicopters to the Main Operating Base (MOB) Trenton. The majority of the CMLU work will be performed in Canada, primarily at IMP’s Halifax, N.S. facilities. Read more at https://helihub.com/2022/06/02/leonardo-awards-cormorant-trophy/.

This is another embarrising failure for this platform, as the aircraft ended up as cannibalized hulks sitting in the corner of the hangar for years, before getting a huge investment to actually return them to service. These were the primary SAR machines for the vast territory that is Canada, Instead, the squadron made do with their Bell CH-146 (412) Griffons to essentially provide coverage for the nation! I wouldn't recommend getting too deep into promoting that story, as it is another example of the failure of the Cormorant.

So essentially, AW "awarded" the "Cormorant Trophy" to the only operator of the Cormorant in the World, or rather to their selected vendors and team members who support the platform, but it doesn't specify to whom, or for what. I'm confused now - did AW just award themselves the Cormorant Trophy for their own exemplary product, which dramatically failed in the midst of a major rescue mission?

I'm all ears.

[chopper2004]

Its been 2 decades since I seen my one and only Cormorant at Farnborough Air Show 2022 (my pics below). I think this one also went to AirMed Rescue 2002 conference at Interlaken the same year.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/960x720/90635666_10158523124581490_1399828814992769024_n_64ed53c6178 a00f5ab20356680950fa82b9eb6ad.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/960x720/90346975_10158523124711490_3250984767818039296_n_466eb2dbe35 3d44bbac5cd2dcf73a7d545710406.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/960x720/90761206_10158523124601490_6159543634350833664_n_8ec79d0d967 7307bd7de344524e0ee0444a05d19.jpg

Lets go back in history with the SAR competition around millenium timeframe so there was the

Sikorsky Maplehawk - (saw the graphics on that one pretty cool) a Canadian version of the HH-60G Pave Hawk

Eurocopter Cougar

and of course the Cormorant

I could be wrong here but the Cormorant kinda fitted the bill because at the time did the RCAF were talking about getting rid not only the Voyageur but also the Caribou ? So to kill two birds with one stone here we go...Cormorant ticked the boxes with range and so forth??

cheers

[chopper2004]

Yes, I completely agree, which is why I never commented on the original story from the time of publication. The real result was that all concerned were rescued with no lives lost - this was a heavy-duty mission with a notable outcome. However, when this situation is spun into; "The Cormorant helicopter and its RCAF crews have served Canadians with exemplary service over the past 20-years, and this continues as evidenced during recent missions, such as the rescue of 31 people from a sinking offshore scallop dragger off the coast of Nova Scotia in 2021", then I'm going to call BS on this claim. The Cormorant was a complete and utter failure in this call. The two machines both broke down, and they even had to leave their crewmen behind on a sinking ship at night, in huge seas. Fortunately, the location was accessible by the US Coastguard who actually did the real lifting with a Jayhawk, although the final six had to jump into the sea and get rescued by boat. The history of failure from the Cormorant has been well detailed over the years, and now it's time for a mid-life update, and all the politics and conniving that goes on at the CANSEC military show results in a press release of this nature - which is actually commercially produced FAKE NEWS.

There is one other little throw-away story in that Press Release - the disastrous deployment of the Cormorant to 424 Squadron at Trenton.

This is another embarrising failure for this platform, as the aircraft ended up as cannibalized hulks sitting in the corner of the hangar for years, before getting a huge investment to actually return them to service. These were the primary SAR machines for the vast territory that is Canada, Instead, the squadron made do with their Bell CH-146 (412) Griffons to essentially provide coverage for the nation! I wouldn't recommend getting too deep into promoting that story, as it is another example of the failure of the Cormorant.

So essentially, AW "awarded" the "Cormorant Trophy" to the only operator of the Cormorant in the World, or rather to their selected vendors and team members who support the platform, but it doesn't specify to whom, or for what. I'm confused now - did AW just award themselves the Cormorant Trophy for their own exemplary product, which dramatically failed in the midst of a major rescue mission?

I'm all ears.

But compared to the NH90 troubles that we reading on this forum??? what is the serviciability of the Cormorant?

The hulks you mention were they not the ill fated VH-71 Kestrels from Pax River that in previous life were Italian Marina ASH version for their San MArco Marine Corps??

cheers

[Cyclic Hotline]

The aircraft at Trenton were part of the original base locations for the fleet. Bases were; Comox B.C., Greenwood. N.S., Gander, N.L and Trenton ON. The coastal bases saw much greater operational demand, ultimately resulting in the Trenton machines being cannibalized. Reportedly, some of the VH-71A's are to be reconfigured to CH-149 specs. Yes, you are correct, it is still a long way ahead of the NH90.
gpaapp.forces.gc.ca/en/defence-capabilities-blueprint/project-details.asp?id=1227

[Cyclic Hotline]

This award has been reawarded to include all the parties involved in this rescue. For a SAR crew to be forced to leave a crew member behind on a sinking ship in the middle of a dark stormy night is perhaps their worst nightmare, especially as the events rapidly unfold, and the outcome is entirely unpredictable and unknown. The crews had to deal not only with an extremely challenging mission, but a series of significant issues that further stressed their capabilities and options. No matter the circumstance and situation, the exposure and risk to crews in these missions is very real and is a tribute to the training, skill, experience and fortitude of every individual involved.

Congratulations to everyone in such a succesful outcome, and the recognition is fully deserved by every individual team member involved. The cooperation and coordination between all organizations involved was exemplary - there are 31 survivors who I am sure would agree without limitation. The men and women prepared to undertake these missions, deserve the unreserved respect.

https://helicopters.leonardo.com/en/news-and-stories-detail/-/detail/leonardo-cormorant-trophy-rcaf-uscgLeonardo presents Cormorant Trophy to RCAF and USCG for successful rescue mission02 November 2022Leonardo presented the Cormorant Trophy Award to the Royal Canadian Air Force and US Coast Guard for the successful rescue of 31 survivors from the sinking fishing vessel Atlantic Destiny.

In early October, the Cormorant Trophy Award, which celebrates excellence and bravery in missions, ceremony took place during the Opening Ceremony of Defence Security (DEFSEC) Atlantic event in Canada. During the ceremony, which was attended by 350-400 military government and industry personnel, Dominic Howe, Head of Campaigns - America and Canada at Leonardo, delivered a speech outlining the recent achievements of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and US Coast Guard (USCG).


https://helicopters.leonardo.com/o/adaptive-media/image/23522180/w_1120/RCAF+%2B+LH+%2B+Surv_RCAF+Copyright_finale.jpgThe award was given to both the RCAF and USCG for the successful rescue of 31 survivors from the sinking fishing vessel (FV) Atlantic Destiny; operating in severe weather conditions with extreme shore to on-scene distances, the crew risked their lives to ensure the safety of others.

Each of the attending survivors of the FV Atlantic Destiny and the RCAF crew members were welcomed onto the stage and the USCG attendees attending virtually; each of the three parties (FV Atlantic Destiny, RCAF and USCG) also delivered a short speech during the event.

The rescue mission provides a very real reminder of what we do as Leonardo, producing lifesaving aircraft with incredible rescue capabilities.



Summary of the FV Atlantic Destiny Rescue

At 0000 Zulu on March 3, 2021, the Halifax Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) received a distress call from the F/V Atlantic Destiny, which was 125 nautical miles south of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, on fire, taking water, with 31 personnel on board.

The ship was awash with freezing spray in 4 degree C temperatures, with 40 knot-plus winds gusting to 60 knots and Sea State 7 (6-9 metre waves). A CH-149 Cormorant helicopter (Rescue 907) and CC-130 Hercules (Rescue 343) were dispatched from 413 Squadron at CFB Greenwood and due to the location, the JRCC requested assistance from any available U.S. Coast Guard assets in the area.

Rescue 343 quickly located the Atlantic Destiny, which had lost all power and steering control. A backup generator provided emergency power for radios. The ship’s crew had extinguished one fire in the engine room, but smoke was still visible from a second location. Rescue 343’s crew succeeded on a second attempt in 45 knot winds at dropping a dewatering pump on board to help keep the ship afloat. Rescue 907 arrived on scene just after midnight and began hoist operations in treacherous conditions.

The first Search and Rescue Technician (SARTech) lowered to the ship had to be hoisted back after slamming into the ship’s railing, fearing he was injured. After determining he was OK, he was re-lowered to the ship successfully and was able to secure a guide line and help the second SARTech and a rescue basket down to the deck of the wildly pitching vessel. On the first attempt to rescue two crew members, the hoist cable became entangled in the ship’s rigging and frayed.


https://helicopters.leonardo.com/o/adaptive-media/image/23522130/w_1120/Valor-Spring-2021-Text-Photos_finale.jpgA Canadian CH-149 Cormorant escorted by a CC-130, as on the night the Atlantic Destiny sank into the North Atlantic. Mike Reyno Photo.

The Flight Engineer switched to the second hoist cable and brought the first two crew members on board. R907 made two more extractions for a total of six crew members before a serious flight control hydraulic malfunction forced the helicopter into a “land as soon as possible” emergency.

By now, one of two U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) MH-60 helicopters (CG6032) and an HC-144 “Ocean Sentry” aircraft (CG2313) had arrived on scene. CG6032 took over hoisting functions while the CH- 4 Company Internal 149 headed to land at Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

The second USCG helicopter (CG6039) still enroute, diverted to escort the CH-149 back to land in case it had to ditch in the ocean. With the arrival of the HC-144, Rescue 343 also turned to escort Rescue 907 back to base. An inspection discovered a serious hydraulic leak and the helicopter was declared out of service. Rescue 907’s crew jumped onboard Rescue 343 and returned to the scene provided guidance and advice from the air to the USCG helicopters.

CG6032 lowered a second pump to the ship and with the aid and direction of the RCAF SARTechs on the ship, were able to recover eight more crew members via rescue basket hoists. During the rescues, three of CG6032’s four guide lines were broken or torn out of the hands of SARTechs who were being violently thrown about the deck with each passing wave.

At the end of its on-scene fuel, CG6032 left to refuel in Yarmouth with six rescued crewmembers as CG6039 arrived on scene. CG6039 lowered a third pump and then continued with multiple basket hoists of 13 crew members in continuing dangerous seas, before hitting minimum fuel levels. Escorted by Rescue 343, CG6039 headed for Yarmouth, leaving four crewmembers and the two SARTechs on board.

When CG6039 landed in Yarmouth, authorities said they had exhausted their supply of jet fuel so the two USCG helicopters were unable to return to the scene. A second RCAF CH-149 helicopter (Rescue 904) was dispatched and escorted to the rescue scene by Rescue 343 back to the rescue site. Rescue 343 resumed overhead communication and coordination and CG2313 returned to Cape Cod for fuel.

Rescue 904 commenced hoisting the remaining crew, but the first hoist cable snagged on the wildly gyrating ship and snapped. Rescue 904 switched to the second hoist cable and lowered the rescue basket to the deck and was lifting two crew members when the ship hit a large wave. The loaded basket slammed into a rail with enough force to snap the second hoist cable.

Unable to recover any crew, Rescue 904 dropped additional supplies to the ship and departed the scene while Rescue 343 remained overhead, informed that the Canadian Coast Guard (CCGC) Vessel Cape Roger was 30 minutes away. In the interim, as it became clear the ship would have to be abandoned, the SARTechs directed the remaining crew to launch life rafts. CCGC Cape Roger arrived and launched a Fast Rescue Craft to recover the remaining four crew and two SARTechs who were able to evacuate the ship using guide lines and rescue slings. The F/V Atlantic Destiny sank just two hours later, with all personnel saved with only minor injuries

[[email protected]]

A very exciting night by anyone's standards - glad to see the USCG getting recognition for their vital part in rescuing so many crew members. Good job all round :ok:

[chopper2004]

Leonardo been awarded 1 Billion CND for the Mid Life Upgrade

https://www.leonardo.com/en/press-release-detail/-/detail/23-12-2022-leonardo-awarded-1-billion-can-€690-million-contract-for-the-aw101-ch-149-cormorant-sar-helicopter-mid-life-upgrade-cmlu-project

cheers

[chopper2004]

I came across this on YouTube of 103 Sqn deployed to Iceland for exercise with the Icelandic Coast Guard

https://youtu.be/WrH301KO6ew

Last time I could think Cormorant was in Europe was 2 decades ago (one of my posts when I attended Farnborough Air Show 2002) and then the same airframe attended the EMS meet in Switzerland.

Apart from the abov,e have the Cormorants deployed anywhere out of Canada ?

cheers