Canadian Forces’ CH-146 GRIFFON Full-Motion Flight Simulator to Receive Updates

The Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) CH-146 GRIFFON will soon receive modernised training, thanks to major updates to be performed by CAE to the GRIFFON full-motion flight simulator (FMFS) , located at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown.

Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) CH-146 GRIFFON helicopter. (Photo: Candian MoND)

CAE was awarded a contract from the Government of Canada to perform a major visual system update including the latest generation CAE MEDALLION-6000 image generator and new display system to deliver great image quality. In addition, CAE will be implementing the Common Database (CDB) architecture capability on the CH-146 FFS to significantly enhance the RCAF’s ability to correlate, re-use, and rapidly update databases to support training and mission rehearsal requirements. The CH-146 FFS will be the fifth platform in the RCAF’s inventory to standardise on the CDB architecture, joining the CC-130H, CC-130J, CH-147, and CP-140.

CAE has delivered a suite of CH-147F Chinook simulators to Canadian Forces Base Petawawa and Royal Canadian Air Force CH-147F aircrews are now beginning to train at their new world-class training centre. (Photo: CAE)

By 2025, the Royal Canadian Air Force will have a simulation-focused training system, which will optimise how RCAF pilots achieve and maintain readiness by taking advantage of advances in both technology and training methods. “Our government is committed to supporting the Canadian Armed Forces and we’re determined to provide its men and women with the right equipment to do their jobs. Upgrading aircrew training is an important part of this commitment,” Jason Kenney, Canada's Minister of National Defence said. “The New Brunswick community is proud to be home to GRIFFON training and I am honoured to announce this investment in modernising the training available for Canada’s brave men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces.”