First Twin Otter completes avionics life extension project

News Article / June 8, 2012

By Lt Jennifer Wright

The midnight sun was setting on the horizon as Twin Otter 13805 was making its final approach into the Yellowknife Airport. Under the command of Captain Russ Ackland, with Captain Winston Ernst at the controls, and Corporal Benoit Jean in the flight engineer seat, the CC-138 Twin Otter aircraft landed. Returning from Kelowna where it was fitted with the extensive Twin Otter Avionics Life Extension Project (TALE), the June 4th flight marked a significant chapter in the history of this magnificent aircraft.

The TALE project was conceived to extend the service life of the CC-138 Twin Otter by implementing a modern avionics system. This will ensure that the CC-138 remains operationally effective to beyond 2015. Aircraft 13805 is the first in a fleet of four which will be upgraded over the next 12-18 months.

The significant service life extension project includes the installation of modernized, Wide Area Augmentation System-capable GPS units, Flight Management Systems, Traffic Collision and Avoidance System hardware, electronic flight displays, and various other navigational and flight instrument upgrades, which are suitable for tactical operation in accordance with the aircraft Statement of Intent. The upgrades replace the 1970's vintage avionics instruments and equipment with modern key systems which provide increased reliability for northern operations.

The Twin Otter provides short take-off and landing capabilities—including off-strip operations—on skis and wheels and has the ability to transport up to 20 passengers or 2, 000 kg of payload with a range of 1,300 km and is perfect for 440 (T) Sqn. Tasks include airlift, utility and liaison flights in support of 1 Canadian Air Division, Joint Task Force North, the Canadian Rangers, other Canadian Forces activities and Cadets in the North.

“This represents one of the most modern cockpits in the RCAF and demonstrates the commitment to long-term RCAF presence in the Canadian Arctic,” says Lieutenant-Colonel Brophy, Commanding Officer, 440 (T) Squadron. Given the vastness of the Arctic and its limited infrastructure it is clear that the Royal Canadian Air Force will continue to play a significant role in exercising sovereignty.

440(T) Squadron currently operates four Twin Otters and is based in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Flying the versatile Twin Otter since 1972 the squadron is known for operating in some of the harshest weather conditions on the planet. 440(T) Sqn is the only formed Royal Canadian Air Force unit based full-time in the North.