The Canadian Air Force's only carrier-based anti-submarine helicopter was exposed to cracks 82 per cent, and only two were found to have no problems

Source: World Wide Web

According to Canada's "Global News" reported on December 5, the Canadian military said that in its 23 CH-148 carrier-based anti-submarine helicopters, cracks have been found in the tails of 19 aircraft, accounting for up to 82%. Only two are currently unnoticed and two are awaiting inspection.

CH-148 carrier-based anti-submarine helicopter. Image credit: Canadian Media

During regular inspections by the Royal Canadian Air Force on November 26, cracks were found for the first time in the tail of one CH-148 helicopter in the 443rd Sea Helicopter Squadron, and the problem was subsequently found on three others. Later that day that number soared to 19.

The Royal Canadian Air Force confirmed the news in an emailed statement on December 5. Only two of its kind have been found to be free of defects, and two are undergoing long-term maintenance, which will be inspected later.

Despite cracks in up to 82 percent of ch-148 helicopters, the Canadian military says the U.S.-made Sikorsky helicopter has not been grounded or suspended. Canadian military experts are working with the company on repairs.

A Canadian military spokesman said Sikorsky has a plan to fix the cracks, that each helicopter needs a unique approach to repairing the affected parts, and that "the first few helicopters affected by the crack problem are expected to be repaired in the coming days."

The office of Canadian Defence Minister Anita Anand would not comment on the report.

It is reported that on April 29, 2020, a Canadian military CH-148 helicopter crashed off the coast of Greece, killing all 6 people on board. The main cause of the crash was identified last year as a software problem, with senior Canadian military procurement officials warning at the time that there would be no "quick fix."

According to the data, the CH-148 is a military helicopter developed by the American Sikorsky Company for the Canadian Armed Forces, and the prototype is an S-92 civilian helicopter. Canadian defense procurement documents released earlier show that the project cost $3.1 billion.

Canada ordered 28 aircraft in 2004 and did not begin missions to the United States until 2018, with 23 delivered by May 2021. The helicopter is usually deployed on Canadian warships for maritime anti-submarine, surveillance and search and rescue missions, and is currently the only ship-borne anti-submarine helicopter of the Canadian Armed Forces.