I was on the base at CFB Trenton, Ontario Canada this weekend to view the retirement ceremonies for the Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador helicopter. There were speaches and banquets and such, but I really only went for the Search and Rescue (SAR) demonstration.
The CH-113 Labrador helicopters were purchased by the Canadian Air Force between 1963 and 1967. Used for many things they eventually became dedicated to the Search and Rescue role. The last 3 airframes were used by 424 SAR and Transport Squadron at CFB Trenton and were officially retired on July 25th. The helicopter will be replaced by the Westland CH-149 Cormorant on July 19, 2004.
Here are a couple of pictures taken the CFB Trenton air base over the weekend.
Note: I also had a great chat with some people restoring the only Halifax bomber in existence (ready to roll out this fall). They had some great stories and information about the Canadian Air Force, the Avro Arrow and various other aviation related things… This was the highlight for me I followed this up with a tour of the National RCAF museum but did not get out to the back to see all the aircraft on diplay. When I do this, I will post a few pics of some nice aircraft….
By: Glen_RCAF_Fan - 28th June 2004 at 22:54
Thanks for the welcome!
The CH113’s were purchased by the Canadian Army and the RCAF between 1963 and 1967. The Army version was called the CH113A Voyageur and the RCAF version was the CH113 Labrador. It is my understanding that in 1969 when the Royal Canadian Air Force, Army and Navy become unified into the Canadian Forces, the helicopters all went to the RCAF, were adapted to the SAR role and were thereafter all known as the CH113 Labrador. In the late 1970’s (1979?) there was an upgrade program to the fleet that was meant to bring the two variants (mostly internal stuff) up to the same status.
PS: I believe one is slated for the RCAF museum at the base and the rest will likely will end up at Mountainview detachment… (Mountainview is an ex-RCAF base detached from CFB Trenton (about 15-20 kms away) used to store airframes.
By: ALBERT ROSS - 28th June 2004 at 16:43
The RCAF SAR version was the CH-113A Labrador, but the Army version was the CH-113 Voyageur. Did they all become ‘Labradors’ when the RCAF/Army/Navy merged to become the Canadian Armed Forces?
By: ALBERT ROSS - 28th June 2004 at 16:40
I wonder if Columbia Helicopters will buy them. They’ve bouhght many of the 107s that have come on the market, including the ex-Pam Am machines that used to fly into New York City.. So if you ever wondered what happened to the helicopter you can see Clint Eastwood flying in at the beginning of “Coogan’s Bluff”…it’s now somewhere being used for logging, heavy lift and fire fighting.
I had a conversation last year with a Columbia exec at the HAI convention said he indicated they’re always on the lookout for more airframes.
…also the one in James Bond’s “You only live twice” that drops the baddies’ car into the sea!!
By: John Boyle - 28th June 2004 at 16:30
Will Columbia buy them?
I wonder if Columbia Helicopters will buy them. They’ve bouhght many of the 107s that have come on the market, including the ex-Pam Am machines that used to fly into New York City.. So if you ever wondered what happened to the helicopter you can see Clint Eastwood flying in at the beginning of “Coogan’s Bluff”…it’s now somewhere being used for logging, heavy lift and fire fighting.
I had a conversation last year with a Columbia exec at the HAI convention said he indicated they’re always on the lookout for more airframes.
By: Peter - 28th June 2004 at 15:24
labs
Sadly most will probably sit at mountainview before getting chopped up!?
By: Arm Waver - 28th June 2004 at 14:55
Would be nice to see one over here in the Helicopter Museum at Weston-Super-Mare. Be good to see a pair of Canadian twin rotors in one place.
Loved the photos thanks
By: mmitch - 28th June 2004 at 14:28
Welcome to the forum ‘Glen’ Nice photos to start too. It’s not often a helio is seen on the water (intentionally!)
mmitch.
By: British Canuck - 28th June 2004 at 12:20
Sad to see those old thumpers go..They used to overhaul them at the Boeing factory here in town….it was great when they would take them up for post overhaul flight test flights..
I wonder how many will be given to museums in Canada..
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June 28, 2004 at 3:25 am