Canadian Warplanes 7: Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador and CH-113A Voyageur helicopter
Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador, and Boeing Vertol CH-113A Voyageur
(DND Photo via Francois Dutil)
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. (Wikipedia)
Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador Helicopter (6), (Serial Nos. 10401, 10402, 10403, 10404, 10405, 10406), all renumbered to (Serial Nos. 11301, 11302, 11303, 11304, 11305, 11306), CH-113A Voyageur Helicopter (12), (Serial Nos. 10407, 10408, 10409, 10410, 10411, 10412, 10413, 10414, 10415, 10416, 10417, 10418), all renumbered to (Serial Nos. 11307, 11308, 11309, 11310, 11311, 11312, 11313, 11314, 11315, 11316, 11317, 11318), for a total of 18 CH-113 variants.
(RCAF Photo)
Boeing CH-113 Labrador helicopter (Serial No. 10406) No. 103 (RU) Squadron, flying over Cull Rock, Nova Scotia. It is picking up aDOT Bell helicopter in 1968. Note the personnel on the ground and on the DOT Bell. 103 Rescue Unit transferred from CFB Greenwood to CFB Summerside during the month of July, 1968. It was re-designated as 413 Rescue Squadron. The unit was re-designated as 413 (Transport and Rescue) Squadron on the 31st of August, 1970 while at Summerside (CYSU). Today it is based at 14 Wing, CFB Greenwood with a mix of CH-149's and CC-130H's.
(Author Photo)
Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador Helicopter (Serial No. 11305), Summerside, PEI, 1973. Note the HF antenna above the RESCUE sign.
(Griffin Library Photo via Mike Kaehler)
Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador Helicopter (Serial Nos. 10404), c/n 304, wearing its ferry flight registration (CF-POE). This photo was taken at Rockcliffe, Ontario, on 6 June 1964. This is a Boeing-Vertol 107 II, known as the CH-46 Sea Knight in the USMC but designated by the RCAF as a Labrador. The Labradors and Voyageurs all were eventually converted to be almost the same in the SAR role. This particular Labrador was flight tested by Boeing-Vertol as N10122, then flown to Canada as CF-POE, and given the RCAF registration of 10404. After unification it was designated a CH-113 with the registration number of 304. In 2008 this aircraft was sold to Columbia Helicopters in the US possibly for use as a source of spare parts.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4374222)
Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador helicopter effecting a rescue from a shipwreck, 1963.
(Ken Fielding Photo)
Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador helicopter, RCAF (Serial No. 10402), later (Serial No. 11302). Served with 442 Squadron, CFB Comox, BC. at integration. With 103 Rescue Unit, CFB Gander, Nfld. in 1982 and in 1995. Served with 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron at CFB Summerside, PEI in 1990. 5 crew members received Star of Courage for rescue of crew of barge Tessa Kathleen off Anacosti Island on 11 May 1990. Rescued 11 crew members, in 60 knot winds, high waves, and 1/4 mile visibility. Rescued lone survivor of tug Patricia B. McAllister off Gaspe on 23 April 1991. Still with this unit at 14 Wing, Greenwood, NS, in 2000. Aborted mission over Northumberland Strait on 4 May 2000 due to suspected generator fire, diverted to beach. After investigation, continued on to Miramichi Airport, NB. Reported stored at CFB Trenton in October 2005, with all markings removed, parked on the AETSS ramp. (RWR Walker)
(Ken Fielding Photo)
Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador helicopter, RCAF (Serial No. 10402), later (Serial No. 11302), in a field roughly half way between Penticton (YYF) and Kelowna (YLW), British Columbia, 14 May 1967.
(RCAF Photo)
Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador helicopter, RCAF (Serial No. 10402), near Powell Lake, British Columbia, c1967.
(RCAF Photo)
Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador helicopter, RCAF (Serial No. 10402), later (Serial No. 11302), using smoke generator for snow landing reference on Mt. Churchill, BC in 1967.
(Fred Paradie Photo)
Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador (Serial No. 11302), in front of the old No. 442 Squadron Hangar at CFB Comox, British Columbia. The MSE section is in the background.
(DND Photo via James Craik)
Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador helicopter, RCAF (Serial No. 10403), later (Serial No. 11303), with RCAF Crash Boat Flamingo and CCG Cutter Spray, training on the Bay of Quinte, Ontario, ca 1962-63. Served with No. 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron at 14 Wing, Greenwood, NS, dates unknown. With 442 Squadron, CFB Comox, in 1975, 1979 and 1982. Performed multiple rescues, involving 12 boaters and hikers, following storm on 30 March 1975 while with this unit. MCpl W. Wacey received Star of Courage for this day, which included 9.5 hours flying. With 103 Rescue Unit, CFB Gander in 1975 in red, white and blue scheme. Back with No. 442 Squadron when it took part in mass rescue from burning cruise ship MV Prinsendam off Alaska coast on 4 October 1980. With No. 103 RU in 1983 and 1995 in overall yellow scheme. With No. 424 Squadron at CFB Trenton, dates not known. (RWR Walker)
(RCAF Photo via Mike Kaehler)
Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador helicopter, RCAF (Serial No. 10403), later (Serial No. 11303), up to its sponsons in snow, 1966.
(RCAF Photo via Mike Kaehler)
Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador helicopter, RCAF (Serial No. 10403), later (Serial No. 11303), floating in the Bay of Quinte near RCAF Station Trenton, ca 1966. A soldier with a rubber dinghy is moored to the rear door of the helicopter.
(RCAF Photo via Mike Kaehler)
Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador helicopter, RCAF (Serial No. 10403), later (Serial No. 11303).
(NAFMC Photo via Chris Charland)
Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador (Serial No. 10405), and Sikorsky HO4S-3, RCN (Serial No. 55875), coded 3, sometime after 1965 when the new flag came into use.
(John Davies - CYOW Airport Watch Photo)
Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador (Serial No. 10401), later (Serial No. 11301), now retired and on display in the Canada Aviation & Space Museum, 27 July 2004. Last operational Labrador. With No. 424 Squadron detachment at Torbay, Newfoundland from January 1977. This became No. 103 Rescue Unit, when it moved to CFB Gander, Nfld. later that year. Rescued 20 survivors from ferry MV William Carson off Square Island, Labrador on 2 June 1977. Still with this unit in 1982, and in 1995. Served with No. 424 Squadron, CFB Trenton, Ontario at time of fleet retirement. On display at Museum by December 2005. (RWR Walker)
(John Davies - CYOW Airport Watch Photo)
Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador (Serial No. 10401), later (Serial No. 11301), now retired and on display in the Canada Aviation & Space Museum, 27 July 2004. An AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant (Serial No. 149915) stands in the background, representing the fleet that will carry on with the RCAF's Search and Rescue role.
(Author Photo)
Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador Helicopter (Serial No. 10401), later (Serial No. 11301). Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Ottawa, Ontario.
(CAF Photo)
Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador (Serial No. 10401), later (Serial No. 11301), 1968/ Now retired and on display in the Canada Aviation & Space Museum, Ottawa, Ontario.
(DND Photo via Jay White)
Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador (Serial No. 10401).
(Author Photo)
Boeing Vertol CH-113A Voyageur Helicopter (Serial No. 11315), CFB Wainwright, Alberta, 1975.
(DND Photos via Mike Kaehler)
Boeing Vertol CH-113A Voyageur Helicopter (Serial No. 10409), later (Serial No. 11309), Canadian Army, Rockcliffe, Ontario, ca 1965. This Voyageur was taken on strength in 1964 and was flown by No. 1 Transport Helicopter Platoon, a component of the Canadian Army and part of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps, based at CJATC, Rivers, Manitoba. It was destroyed in a crash fter control was lost when entering a fog bank at Kinchloe AFB, Michigan, while on a ferry flight from Rivers, Manitoba to the unit's new base at St. Hubert, Quebec, on 14 August 1966.
(Author Photo)
Boeing Vertol CH-113A Voyager (Serial No. 11307), CFB Edmonton, Alberta, 1975.
(Andy Vanderhayden Photo)
Boeing Vertol CH-113A Voyager (Serial No. 11308), visiting Hamilton airport, Ontario, 5 June 2004.
(DND Photo, GRC97-91-27, via Mike Kaehler)
Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador (Serial No. 11304), No. 103 Squadron, on Gander Lake, Newfoundland, 1997. No. 103 Search and Rescue Flight was formed in 1947 and it became a Squadron in 1997.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235925)
Boeing Vertol CH-113A Voyageur Helicopter (Serial No. 10410), later (Serial No. 11310), Canadian Army, ca 1965. With No. 413 Squadron, CFB Summerside, PEI, dates unknown. Converted to SAR configuration Labrador 1975. With 103 Rescue Unit, CFB Gander, Nfld, in 1982. Flew 8.1 hours on 15 February 1982, searching for survivors of Ocean Ranger oil rig. Refueled on other oil rigs during this mission. With No. 442 Squadron, CFB Comox, BC in 1991 and 1995. Subsequently operated by No. 424 Squadron, CFB Trenton, Ontario. Took part in retirement ceremonies and flight display at Trenton, 26 June 2004. 19 July 2004 - Delivered to CFSATE, CFB Borden, Ontario, for use as instructional airframe. (RWR Walker)
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235928)
Boeing Vertol CH-113A Voyageur Helicopter (Serial No. 10411), later (Serial No. 11311), Canadian Army, lifting a 3/4-ton truck, ca 1965. Converted to SAR configuration Labrador 1975. With 103 Rescue Unit, CFB Gander, Newfoundland, in 1982 and 1983. Serving with No. 442 Squadron at CFB Comox, BC at time of crash. Was hoisting stranded hikers when engine failure at high altitude caused crash at 5,000 foot level in mountains near Bella Coola, Vancouver Island. One fatality. 20 August 1993 - Struck off, after crash on 30 April 1992. (RWR Walker)
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235937)
Boeing Vertol CH-113A Voyageur Helicopter (Serial No, 10411), later (Serial No. 11311), Canadian Army, lifting 105-mm C1A1 Field Gun, ca 1965.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235930)
Boeing Vertol CH-113A Voyageur Helicopter (Serial No. 10411), later (Serial No. 11311), Canadian Army, lifting a jeep, ca 1965.
(Alain Rioux Photo)
Boeing Vertol CH-113A Voyageur Helicopter (Serial No. 10411), later (Serial No. 11311), in service with No. 413 Squadron, CFB Greenwood, Nova Scotia, 2 Oct 1987.
(DND Photo)
Boeing Vertol CH-113A Voyageur Helicopter (Serial No. 10413).
(DND Photo via James Craik)
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235927)
Boeing Vertol CH-113A Voyageur Helicopters (Serial No. 10417), later (Serial No. 11317), and (Serial No. 10415), later (Serial No. 11315), on the water, ca 1965.
(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4235926)
Boeing Vertol CH-113A Voyageur Helicopters (Serial No. 10417), later (Serial No. 11317), and (Serial No. 10415), later (Serial No. 11315), on the water, ca 1965.
(DND Photo via Mike Kaehler)
Boeing Vertol CH-113A Voyageur helicopter (Serial No. 10415), later (Serial No. 11315), 2 Oct 1976. This helicopter is now in the National Museum of the RCAF at CFB Trenton, Ontario. 11315 was serving with No. 450 Squadron, CFB Uplands, when replaced by Chinooks in 1975. Converted to SAR configuration Labrador 1975. Initially operated in olive drab paint with temporary rescue markings. Served with 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron, CFB Trenton, Ontario from October 1975. Rescued crew of crashed Fox Moth at Toronto air show, 5 September 1976, while with 424 Sdn. Moved with 424 Sdn. detachment to Summerside, PEI in October 1976, and then to Newfoundland by 1977. With 413 Squadron, CFB Summerside, PEI, 1982. With 103 Rescue Unit, CFB Gander, Nfld, 1983. Back to No. 424 Squadron by February 1995. Preserved at RCAF Memorial Museum, Trenton, Ontario by fall of 2005. (RWR Walker)
(DND Photo via Mike Kaehler)
Boeing Vertol CH-113A Voyageur helicopter (Serial No. 10415), later (Serial No. 11315). This helicopter is now in the CA&SM, Ottawa.
(DND Photo via Mike Kaehler)
Boeing Vertol CH-113A Voyageur helicopter (Serial No. 10415), later (Serial No. 11315). This helicopter is now in the CA&SM, Ottawa.
(JustSomePics Photo)
(Author Photo)
Boeing Vertol CH-113A Voyageur Helicopter (Serial No. 10415), later (Serial No. 11315). National Museum of the RCAF, CFB Trenton, Ontario.
(DND Photo via Mike Kaehler)
Boeing Vertol CH-113A Voyageur helicopter (Serial No. 10416), later (Serial No. 11316). Converted to SAR configuration Labrador 1975. Served with 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron, CFB Trenton, Ontario. Moved with 424 Sdn. detachment to Summerside, PEI in October 1976, and then to Newfoundland by 1977. With No. 442 Squadron, CFB Comox, BC in 1982, and in 1995. Back with No. 424 Squadron at Trenton on 24 November 1990, when it evacuated injured girl from cabin 250 miles north of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Reported stored at CFB Trenton in October 2005, with all markings removed, at the AETTS ramp. (RWR Walker)
(CAF Photo)
Boeing Vertol CH-113A Voyageur Helicopter (Serial No. 10418), later (Serial No. 11318), Canadian Army. None are preserved in this colour scheme. Converted to SAR configuration Voyageur in 1975. Received SARCUP upgrade in 1982/1983, renamed Labrador at that time. Served with 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron at CFB Comox, British Columbia. Also served with 413 Squadron, CFB Summerside, PEI, in 1982. Back with No. 442 Sdn. in 1991, 1993, and 1995. Picked up survivors of fishing vessel Juju from another fishing boat on 19 March 1993, north of Vancouver Island, and transferred them to hospital. Reported stored at CFB Trenton in October 2005, with all markings removed, parked at the AETSS ramp. (RWR Walker)
(DND Photo)
Boeing Vertol CH-113A Voyageur Helicopter (Serial No. 10418), later (Serial No. 11318), Canadian Army with an RCAF de Havilland Caribou, c1970.
(CAF Photo)
Boeing Vertol CH-113A Voyageur Helicopter (Serial No. 11318), running on the ground in British Columbia, 1991.
