IMP Aerospace & Defense have announced the delivery of another CH-149 Cormorant to the RCAF.

IMP Aerospace & Defense has provided all aspects of support to Canada’s fleet of Cormorant Search and Rescue (SAR) CH-149 helicopters for over twenty years. Operating from across Canada at three Main Operating Bases, and headquartered in the Cormorant Support Centre in Halifax, NS, the program provides comprehensive, turnkey ISS to Canada’s Cormorant helicopters. This unique program provides the RCAF with a full suite of all levels of support this critical 24/7/365 mission.

In 2022, IMP Aerospace & Defense was made the principle Canadian subcontractor for Leonardo’s CH-149 Cormorant Mid-Life Upgrade project. With work primarily being done at IMP’s facilities in Halifax, this project will update Canada’s helicopters to the newest standard, including digitally-controlled engines with more power, new glass cockpits, wireless in-cabin communications, and the latest technology available for SAR sensors. These upgrades will quicken SAR missions, resulting in a more-efficient rescue process.

Canada achieves a higher flying rate and carries out longer duration SAR missions to more remote locations than any other EH/AW101 operator. IMP has proven itself as a reliable and cost effective partner to the RCAF for this critical “No Fail” fleet of life saving aircraft for over twenty years, and will work with Leonardo to extend the CH-149 fleet until 2040 and beyond.