Challenger/"VIP" Jet/CF Chopper Use (CDS, others) [merged]

[Loachman]

The only Twin Otters are in Yellowknife. That is not the handiest of locations, and the aircraft are slow.

The only Buffaloes are in Comox. The same two factors apply, plus they are SAR resources and, unless things have changed lately, not known for reliability due to age.

There are two King Airs in Trenton for short-range VIP transport. Again, slow.

None of these would leave the continent.

Larger aircraft are too expensive for many applications currently served by the Challengers, and, whenever something major takes place overseas, are often in short supply.

 

[Kirkhill]

Oh those silly Danes.

Using the same Challengers for both LRPA and VIP tpt.  Whodathunkit?

L-604 CHALLENGER
ROYAL DANISH AIR FORCE
The CL-604 Challenger was originally a civilian aircraft, and it also performs some civilian tasks in the Royal Danish Air Force. It is normally the CL-604 Challenger that carries out VIP flights for the Danish government, the Royal family or Defence Command Denmark.

The Danish CL-604 version has had several modifications so we can use it for a variety of missions.

Approx 140 days a year the Challenger is deployed to Greenland to perform surveillance and SAR operations over the largest island in the world.

With the SLAR and FLIR it has an excellent capability for maritime surveillance in the environmental pollution control role.

With the Ocean Eye Radar strapped under its belly it detects ships and icebergs when it operates in the surveillance mode for control of the Fishery zones around Greenland and the Faroe Islands. In both configurations the communication facilities matched with the sensors provide a fine platform for “On Scene Commander” Search and Rescue operations.The aircraft even has a capability to drop life rafts, buoys for collecting samples of pollution and smaller bundles. Configured with seats we can transport 6 – 8 VIP passengers or up to 18 regular passengers. If need be also medical evacuation can be performed carrying patients on stretchers (small injuries).

Multi-Mission Aircraft.  A truly radical notion.

 

[Loachman]

If only it could be fitted for CAS...

In my semi-distracted state I read "pollution control role" as "politician control role".

 

[Transporter]

Oh those silly Danes.

Using the same Challengers for both LRPA and VIP tpt.  Whodathunkit?

Multi-Mission Aircraft.  A truly radical notion.

The grey Challengers are used for military transport and can be configured for medical evacuation for CF personnel on duty anywhere in the world. The type was previously used by 434 Combat Support Squadron at 14 Wing Greenwood, N.S. as an EW training and combat support aircraft. In the combat support role, the Challenger was very similar to the CT-133 Silver Star, and EW training involved the same techniques, including chafe radar jamming, the dispersal of false targets to confuse enemy radar, and the creation and transmission of false radar signals. 434 Sqn's Challenger's were also previously employed in the maritime patrol role.

Tpt, AE, Cbt Sp, EW Trg, MP... not a radical notion in the least.

 

[Kirkhill]

Sorry Transporter.  My error.

I failed to locate a "tongue-in-cheek" smiley.

 

[Transporter]

Sorry Transporter.  My error.

I failed to locate a "tongue-in-cheek" smiley.

You should try harder next time then.

 

[DBA]

The charter option would only be valid if we actual bought x hours per year with a charter company. Otherwise we would never be able to get a contract in place in time to be useful.

There are medevac and medical repatriation charter companies. Most provide better aircraft and equipment. The main price difference is the end point of such tasks is likely to be NDMC in Ottawa saving one leg of the trip for aircraft based there.

I also think most places we have troops deployed have some form of a status of forces agreement that makes it logistically easier to use military aircraft and personnel over civilian.

 

[PuckChaser]

The main price difference is the end point of such tasks is likely to be NDMC in Ottawa saving one leg of the trip for aircraft based there.

NDMC still exists?

 

[Ostrozac]

NDMC still exists?

Yes, and no.

The building at 1745 Alta Vista is still there, with NDMC in huge letters on the side, but it is used as office space by various units, and there is no actual patient care going on.

The functions that used to be done at NDMC are now done at a military wing of Montfort Hospital on Montreal Road, in the east end of Ottawa.

 

[captloadie]

We still run into the issue that in order to charter any kind of air service, the norm is 45 days. Yes it can be done in less time, on a by exception basis, but after the first two or three, someone is going to question why a better plan is not in place.

 

[Zoomie]

FWIW Challengers have been in to K-har.

I know of a navigator that was medevac'd from Moscow after being left behind by her herc over Christmas.

We need to maintain some sort of trans-Atlantic transport capability that does not involve our larger assets.  We are stretched thin enough as it is trying to support RIMPAC and the 6 pack in Romania - hence the recent use of a J-Herc for re supply in Eastern Europe.  The introduction of the C-17 was designed to eliminate the use of turbo-prop strategic airlift - relegating them to their ideal role of tactical transport. 

Newer FWSAR spread across the SAR MOBs will permit better access for CAF personnel to medevacs - even cross Atlantic if so required. 

The USAF does not maintain its own medevacs capability for its SOUTHCOM operations - it uses a contract Lear jet out of Miami area.