Boeing CH-113 Labrador (RCAF)/Voyageur (Army)
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Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador (Serial No. 11302), in formation.
The Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador was the RCAF Search and rescue version of the American Model 107-II-9 (CH-46) Sea Knight helicopter. The CH-113A Voyageur was the Canadian Army Assault and utility transport version of the Model 107-II-28 helicopter, later converted to CH-113A Labrador.
The RCAF procured six CH-113 Labrador helicopters for the SAR role and the Canadian Army acquired 12 of the similar CH-113A Voyageur for the medium-lift transport role. The RCAF Labradors were delivered first with the first one entering service on 11 October 1963. When the larger CH-147 Chinook was procured by the Canadian Forces in the mid-1970s, the Voyageur fleet was converted to Labrador specifications to undertake SAR missions. The refurbished Voyageurs were re-designated as CH-113A Labradors, with a total of 15 Labradors ultimately in service.
The Labrador was fitted with a watertight hull for marine landings, a 5,000 kilogram cargo hook and an external rescue hoist mounted over the right front door. It featured a 1,110 kilometer flying range, emergency medical equipment and an 18-person passenger capacity. By the 1990s, heavy use and hostile weather conditions had taken their toll on the Labrador fleet, resulting in increasing maintenance costs and the need for prompt replacement. In 1981, a mid-life upgrade of the fleet was carried out by Boeing Canada in Arnprior, Ontario. Known as the SAR-CUP (Search and Rescue Capability Upgrade Program), the refit scheme included new instrumentation, a nose-mounted weather radar, a tail-mounted auxiliary power unit, a new high-speed rescue hoist mounted over the side door and front-mounted searchlights. A total of six CH-113s and five CH-113As were upgraded with the last delivered in 1984. The last CH-113 was retired in 2004. Harold A Skaarup Web Page
Wikipedia Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight
YouTube Labrador Helicopter Boeing Vertol SAR Search and Rescue Demo 1995
CASPIR Aircraft Groups:
RCAF Owned (18) RCAF 400 Squadrons (16) Canadian Crewed (17) Canadian Museum (4)Labrador/Voyageur CH-113 10405
With No. 413 Squadron at CFB Summerside, PEI.
From 11305:
With No. 103 Rescue Unit, CFB Gander, Nfld., dates unknown. With 424 Squadron at CFB Trenton, dates not known. Landed at North Pole, 1 April 1974, while with 413 Squadron, CFB Summerside, PEI. Performed first mass paradrop at the North Pole, 4 Rescue Specialists, on 27 April 1974. This was part of CF support for Operation Frozen Tusker, a joint scientific and SAR training expedition to the pole. To Boeing Canada in October 1982, for first SARCUP upgrade program. Served with 442 Squadron, CFB Comox, BC in 1983. At Boeing Canada at Arnprior, Ontario for overhaul in February 1995.
Took part in search for survivors of Swissair Flight 111 in September 1998. With 413 T & R Squadron, CFB Greenwood, NS, at time of accident. Broke up in flight, while returning from SAR mission in northern Quebec. All 6 crew died. From official accident report: crew detected number 2 engine fire, dumped fuel after securing engine. JP8 fuel was being used (due to remote operating location), and ignited while being dumped. Fire spread to number 1 engine and aft pylon, resulted in structural failure, and blades striking fuselage.
1964-07-02 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1971-11-19 Serial Change Became CAF 11305 2019-08-20
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