CH-113 Labrador

The CH-113 Labrador is a search and rescue helicopter developed by the American firm Boeing Vertol, based on the CH-46 Sea Knight transport helicopter. Six multi-purpose helicopters, almost identical to the CH-46A variant, were delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1963-64 under the designation CH-113 Labrador. Additionally, twelve similar machines were delivered to the Canadian Army in 1964-65, known as the CH-113A Voyageur.

Canadian Service and Variants

Boeing’s Canadian division received a contract to modify six CH-113 and five CH-113A helicopters by mid-1984. These modifications were carried out to meet an advanced Search and Rescue (SAR) standard. For these purposes, the helicopters were additionally fitted with a larger 3500-liter fuel tank, a rescue hoist, and first-aid medical equipment.

Modernization and Succession

These enhancements brought the helicopters to a significantly improved search and rescue standard. Starting in 2001, plans were initiated to replace these helicopters with the modern CH-149 Cormorant, marking the end of an era for the Labrador in Canadian service.

Technical Specifications

Image and diagram gallery of the CH-113 Labrador