Mirabel integrates rotorcraft design, composite manufacture, assembly, flight test, customization and delivery, with Calgary providing spares distribution and government military inventory management. Bell’s named commercial production includes 505, 407GXi, 429 and SUBARU Bell 412EPX, each with distinct current cockpit and propulsion architecture. CCG confirms historical Canadian-built fleet delivery; PSPC records the separate CH-146 ISS work package through 2039. The upgraded Griffon’s June 2024 first flight remains a test milestone before the June 2026 reported GLLE reassessment. Aircraft performance and optional mission equipment must be evaluated under the applicable approved flight manual.
Technical detail
Core features
Integrated Mirabel design, engineering, composites, assembly, flight test, customization and delivery for the named commercial line.
Calgary spares distribution supports Canadian service facilities and government fleets; NQA appendix states inventory management for Canadian government military programmes.
Bell 505: Safran Arrius 2R dual-channel FADEC with automatic Auxiliary Control Unit backup, parameter recording and Garmin G1000H NXi dual 10.4-inch displays.
Bell 407GXi: Rolls-Royce 250-C47E/4 dual digital FADEC, fiberglass main/tail blades, mechanical control linkages, hydraulic boost, Kaflex shaft and G1000H NXi cockpit.
Bell 429: BasiX-Pro single-pilot IFR, three-axis SCAS and coupled flight director, EICAS/EEC/ADIU indications, dual PW207D1/D2, GTN 650Xi/750Xi and GTX345R ADS-B In/Out.
SUBARU Bell 412EPX: single/dual-pilot IFR, three-axis SAS and coupled director, BasiX-Pro EICAS/PT6T-9 EEC/ECUs, ADIU, GTN750Xi/650Xi, GTX345R ADS-B and KRA405B altimeter.
429 NVG-ready displays require completion-level switching and other lighting testing/modification. Increased gross weight and optional sensors require the specified equipment/approval.
CH-146 ISS: programme management, engineering/design changes, component repair/overhaul, spares and heavy maintenance, separate from GLLE modernization.
NQA 13140 covers Canadian ISO 9001:2015/AS9100:2016 quality scope through 4 October 2027; it is not an aircraft or mission-configuration approval.
Rotorcraft
Composite manufacturing
Flight test
FADEC
IFR avionics
Fleet sustainment
Use & integration
Recorded applications
Canadian helicopter manufacture and mission-specific customization
Military and public-service fleet engineering and sustainment
Buyer-documented navigation-aid, environmental-response, ship-shore, search-and-rescue and science support
These describe the reviewed application scope, not confirmed deployments, released requirements or procurement eligibility.
Evidence of maturity
Established Canadian manufacture and support, with buyer-confirmed historical CCG delivery. Civil 412EPX validation is supplier-reported; upgraded Griffon first flight is distinct from unresolved military certification and revised fleet acceptance.
Commercial availability
Commercial aircraft and engineering/support are offered through Bell. Approved configuration, optional equipment, delivery slots and flight-manual limits govern access; CH-146 ISS and GLLE are separate programme work packages.
Integration and verification
Readiness
A technology readiness level is not established by the reviewed public sources.
Canadian rotorcraft design and sustainment may help teams working on Canadian submarine sustainment and industrial capacity by contributing to logistics and sustainment and advanced materials and manufacturing.
Bell's Mirabel operation keeps rotorcraft design, production, certification, modernization, and long-term fleet support connected in Canada. That industrial depth can help sustain aviation mobility and readiness over long operating cycles.
This is a reviewed public-source assessment. It is not procurement eligibility, endorsement, customer interest, or classified demand.
Original sources 17 linked records
These records support this capability and its published Mission area and Defence need connections. A source count is not a count of independent confirmations.
Mirabel integrates design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight testing, certification, customization and aftermarket support; Calgary distributes spares to Canadian service facilities and government fleets.
Supports: Capability · summary
Mirabel integrates design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight testing, certification, customization and aftermarket support; Calgary distributes spares to Canadian service facilities and government fleets.
Supports: Capability · technicaldomainslugs
Bell describes integrated design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight test, certification, customization and aftermarket support at Mirabel, with more than 650,000 square feet, 17 helipads, two runways, more than 1,600 employees, 550 Canadian suppliers and 6,000 delivered aircraft. Calgary distributes spares to 14 Canadian customer service facilities and 10 CAF bases. These scale figures are company-reported; nTACS is a prospective pitch.
Supports: Capability · capability type
Bell describes integrated design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight test, certification, customization and aftermarket support at Mirabel, with more than 650,000 square feet, 17 helipads, two runways, more than 1,600 employees, 550 Canadian suppliers and 6,000 delivered aircraft. Calgary distributes spares to 14 Canadian customer service facilities and 10 CAF bases. These scale figures are company-reported; nTACS is a prospective pitch.
Supports: Capability · technical tags
Mirabel integrates design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight testing, certification, customization and aftermarket support; Calgary distributes spares to Canadian service facilities and government fleets.
Supports: Capability · technical tags
Mirabel integrates design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight testing, certification, customization and aftermarket support; Calgary distributes spares to Canadian service facilities and government fleets.
Supports: Capability · summary
Source location: Reviewed source summary
Bell describes its Mirabel operation as an integrated Canadian centre for helicopter design, manufacturing, delivery, flight support, and long-term Canadian Armed Forces fleet sustainment.
Supports: Capability · name
Mirabel integrates design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight testing, certification, customization and aftermarket support; Calgary distributes spares to Canadian service facilities and government fleets.
Supports: Capability · technology readiness level
Mirabel integrates design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight testing, certification, customization and aftermarket support; Calgary distributes spares to Canadian service facilities and government fleets.
Supports: Capability · display lead
Bell describes integrated design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight test, certification, customization and aftermarket support at Mirabel, with more than 650,000 square feet, 17 helipads, two runways, more than 1,600 employees, 550 Canadian suppliers and 6,000 delivered aircraft. Calgary distributes spares to 14 Canadian customer service facilities and 10 CAF bases. These scale figures are company-reported; nTACS is a prospective pitch.
Supports: Capability · name
Bell describes integrated design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight test, certification, customization and aftermarket support at Mirabel, with more than 650,000 square feet, 17 helipads, two runways, more than 1,600 employees, 550 Canadian suppliers and 6,000 delivered aircraft. Calgary distributes spares to 14 Canadian customer service facilities and 10 CAF bases. These scale figures are company-reported; nTACS is a prospective pitch.
Supports: Capability · technical tags
Bell describes integrated design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight test, certification, customization and aftermarket support at Mirabel, with more than 650,000 square feet, 17 helipads, two runways, more than 1,600 employees, 550 Canadian suppliers and 6,000 delivered aircraft. Calgary distributes spares to 14 Canadian customer service facilities and 10 CAF bases. These scale figures are company-reported; nTACS is a prospective pitch.
Supports: Capability · technicaldomainslugs
Bell describes integrated design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight test, certification, customization and aftermarket support at Mirabel, with more than 650,000 square feet, 17 helipads, two runways, more than 1,600 employees, 550 Canadian suppliers and 6,000 delivered aircraft. Calgary distributes spares to 14 Canadian customer service facilities and 10 CAF bases. These scale figures are company-reported; nTACS is a prospective pitch.
Supports: Capability · core features
Mirabel integrates design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight testing, certification, customization and aftermarket support; Calgary distributes spares to Canadian service facilities and government fleets.
Supports: Capability · core features
Mirabel integrates design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight testing, certification, customization and aftermarket support; Calgary distributes spares to Canadian service facilities and government fleets.
Supports: Capability · catalogue teaser
Bell describes integrated design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight test, certification, customization and aftermarket support at Mirabel, with more than 650,000 square feet, 17 helipads, two runways, more than 1,600 employees, 550 Canadian suppliers and 6,000 delivered aircraft. Calgary distributes spares to 14 Canadian customer service facilities and 10 CAF bases. These scale figures are company-reported; nTACS is a prospective pitch.
Supports: Capability · technicaldomainslugs
Mirabel integrates design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight testing, certification, customization and aftermarket support; Calgary distributes spares to Canadian service facilities and government fleets.
Supports: Capability · technical tags
Mirabel integrates design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight testing, certification, customization and aftermarket support; Calgary distributes spares to Canadian service facilities and government fleets.
Supports: Capability · technical tags
Bell describes integrated design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight test, certification, customization and aftermarket support at Mirabel, with more than 650,000 square feet, 17 helipads, two runways, more than 1,600 employees, 550 Canadian suppliers and 6,000 delivered aircraft. Calgary distributes spares to 14 Canadian customer service facilities and 10 CAF bases. These scale figures are company-reported; nTACS is a prospective pitch.
Supports: Capability · technicaldomainslugs
Mirabel integrates design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight testing, certification, customization and aftermarket support; Calgary distributes spares to Canadian service facilities and government fleets.
Supports: Capability · commercial availability
Bell describes integrated design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight test, certification, customization and aftermarket support at Mirabel, with more than 650,000 square feet, 17 helipads, two runways, more than 1,600 employees, 550 Canadian suppliers and 6,000 delivered aircraft. Calgary distributes spares to 14 Canadian customer service facilities and 10 CAF bases. These scale figures are company-reported; nTACS is a prospective pitch.
Supports: Capability · commercial availability
Mirabel integrates design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight testing, certification, customization and aftermarket support; Calgary distributes spares to Canadian service facilities and government fleets.
Supports: Capability · core features
Bell describes integrated design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight test, certification, customization and aftermarket support at Mirabel, with more than 650,000 square feet, 17 helipads, two runways, more than 1,600 employees, 550 Canadian suppliers and 6,000 delivered aircraft. Calgary distributes spares to 14 Canadian customer service facilities and 10 CAF bases. These scale figures are company-reported; nTACS is a prospective pitch.
Supports: Capability · technical tags
Mirabel integrates design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight testing, certification, customization and aftermarket support; Calgary distributes spares to Canadian service facilities and government fleets.
Supports: Capability · core features
Mirabel integrates design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight testing, certification, customization and aftermarket support; Calgary distributes spares to Canadian service facilities and government fleets.
Supports: Capability · defence applications
Mirabel integrates design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight testing, certification, customization and aftermarket support; Calgary distributes spares to Canadian service facilities and government fleets.
Supports: Capability · core features
Bell describes integrated design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight test, certification, customization and aftermarket support at Mirabel, with more than 650,000 square feet, 17 helipads, two runways, more than 1,600 employees, 550 Canadian suppliers and 6,000 delivered aircraft. Calgary distributes spares to 14 Canadian customer service facilities and 10 CAF bases. These scale figures are company-reported; nTACS is a prospective pitch.
Supports: Capability · technical tags
Bell describes integrated design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight test, certification, customization and aftermarket support at Mirabel, with more than 650,000 square feet, 17 helipads, two runways, more than 1,600 employees, 550 Canadian suppliers and 6,000 delivered aircraft. Calgary distributes spares to 14 Canadian customer service facilities and 10 CAF bases. These scale figures are company-reported; nTACS is a prospective pitch.
Supports: Capability · summary
Bell describes integrated design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight test, certification, customization and aftermarket support at Mirabel, with more than 650,000 square feet, 17 helipads, two runways, more than 1,600 employees, 550 Canadian suppliers and 6,000 delivered aircraft. Calgary distributes spares to 14 Canadian customer service facilities and 10 CAF bases. These scale figures are company-reported; nTACS is a prospective pitch.
Supports: Capability · defence applications
Bell describes integrated design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight test, certification, customization and aftermarket support at Mirabel, with more than 650,000 square feet, 17 helipads, two runways, more than 1,600 employees, 550 Canadian suppliers and 6,000 delivered aircraft. Calgary distributes spares to 14 Canadian customer service facilities and 10 CAF bases. These scale figures are company-reported; nTACS is a prospective pitch.
Supports: Capability · technicaldomainslugs
Bell describes integrated design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight test, certification, customization and aftermarket support at Mirabel, with more than 650,000 square feet, 17 helipads, two runways, more than 1,600 employees, 550 Canadian suppliers and 6,000 delivered aircraft. Calgary distributes spares to 14 Canadian customer service facilities and 10 CAF bases. These scale figures are company-reported; nTACS is a prospective pitch.
Supports: Capability · defence applications
Mirabel integrates design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight testing, certification, customization and aftermarket support; Calgary distributes spares to Canadian service facilities and government fleets.
Supports: Capability · capability type
Mirabel integrates design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight testing, certification, customization and aftermarket support; Calgary distributes spares to Canadian service facilities and government fleets.
Supports: Capability · technology readiness level
Bell describes integrated design, engineering, composite manufacture, flight test, certification, customization and aftermarket support at Mirabel, with more than 650,000 square feet, 17 helipads, two runways, more than 1,600 employees, 550 Canadian suppliers and 6,000 delivered aircraft. Calgary distributes spares to 14 Canadian customer service facilities and 10 CAF bases. These scale figures are company-reported; nTACS is a prospective pitch.
Supports: Defence need · Canadian submarine sustainment and industrial capacity
Source location: Reviewed source summary
Bell describes its Mirabel operation as an integrated Canadian centre for helicopter design, manufacturing, delivery, flight support, and long-term Canadian Armed Forces fleet sustainment.
Supports: Defence need · Efficient, reliable and adaptable logistics to sustain military operations
Source location: Reviewed source summary
Bell describes its Mirabel operation as an integrated Canadian centre for helicopter design, manufacturing, delivery, flight support, and long-term Canadian Armed Forces fleet sustainment.
Certificate 13140 appendix lists the Bell Textron Canada Ltd. Supply Centre at 58 Aero Drive North East, Calgary AB T2E 8Z9. Its stated scope is inventory management for Canadian government military programmes.
Supports: Capability · summary
Certificate 13140 appendix lists the Bell Textron Canada Ltd. Supply Centre at 58 Aero Drive North East, Calgary AB T2E 8Z9. Its stated scope is inventory management for Canadian government military programmes.
All four February 2026 specification books say their information is general and condition-dependent; the approved flight manual governs performance and limitations for a particular mission. Current publication of these books establishes manufacturer product documentation, not Canadian stock, delivery slots, buyer acceptance or approval of every optional configuration.
Supports: Capability · summary
All four February 2026 specification books say their information is general and condition-dependent; the approved flight manual governs performance and limitations for a particular mission. Current publication of these books establishes manufacturer product documentation, not Canadian stock, delivery slots, buyer acceptance or approval of every optional configuration.
Standard BasiX-Pro configuration provides single-pilot IFR, three-axis SCAS and a coupled flight director. EICAS interfaces with EECs for dual PW207D1/D2 engines; the ADIU handles other indications and alerts. Standard navigation and surveillance include GTN 650Xi/750Xi and GTX345R ADS-B In/Out.
Supports: Capability · core features
NVG-ready display units do not establish full-aircraft NVG compatibility: completion requires an overhead switch and testing or modification of other lighting. The 7500 lb internal gross-weight configuration requires specified equipment and jurisdictional approval; the book lists flashing forward light, radar altimeter, HTAWS and CVR/FDR.
PSPC’s 17 January 2024 account specifies programme management, engineering/design changes, component repair/overhaul, spares and heavy maintenance for CH-146 ISS. It separately names the May 2022 approximately CAD 800 million GLLE implementation contract. Its 82 active aircraft in 11 locations are a 2024 snapshot.
Public sources cited · Facts and assessments kept separate · Human review
NQA certificate 13140 names Bell Textron Canada Ltd., Mirabel, for manufacture, design and development, and services of light, intermediate and medium helicopters and spare parts. Standards are ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100:2016. Certified since 6 December 2006; cycle issued and reissued 5 October 2024; valid until 4 October 2027. This certifies the quality-management system, not an aircraft or operation.
Supports: Capability · core features
All four February 2026 specification books say their information is general and condition-dependent; the approved flight manual governs performance and limitations for a particular mission. Current publication of these books establishes manufacturer product documentation, not Canadian stock, delivery slots, buyer acceptance or approval of every optional configuration.
Supports: Capability · core features
Standard BasiX-Pro configuration provides single-pilot IFR, three-axis SCAS and a coupled flight director. EICAS interfaces with EECs for dual PW207D1/D2 engines; the ADIU handles other indications and alerts. Standard navigation and surveillance include GTN 650Xi/750Xi and GTX345R ADS-B In/Out.
Supports: Capability · defence applications
PSPC’s 17 January 2024 account specifies programme management, engineering/design changes, component repair/overhaul, spares and heavy maintenance for CH-146 ISS. It separately names the May 2022 approximately CAD 800 million GLLE implementation contract. Its 82 active aircraft in 11 locations are a 2024 snapshot.
Supports: Capability · commercial availability
PSPC’s 17 January 2024 account specifies programme management, engineering/design changes, component repair/overhaul, spares and heavy maintenance for CH-146 ISS. It separately names the May 2022 approximately CAD 800 million GLLE implementation contract. Its 82 active aircraft in 11 locations are a 2024 snapshot.
Supports: Capability · technical tags
PSPC’s 17 January 2024 account specifies programme management, engineering/design changes, component repair/overhaul, spares and heavy maintenance for CH-146 ISS. It separately names the May 2022 approximately CAD 800 million GLLE implementation contract. Its 82 active aircraft in 11 locations are a 2024 snapshot.
Standard configuration provides single- or dual-pilot IFR, three-axis SAS and a coupled flight director. BasiX-Pro EICAS interfaces with PT6T-9 Twin-Pac EEC/ECUs, described as FADEC; ADIU handles other indications. Standard equipment includes GTN750Xi and GTN650Xi, GTX345R 1090 MHz ADS-B In/Out, and KRA405B radar altimeter. Optional sensors are not universally installed.
The February 2026 book specifies Safran Arrius 2R dual-channel FADEC with automatic Auxiliary Control Unit backup, engine-parameter recording and avionics-stored data. The cockpit uses Garmin G1000H NXi with dual 10.4-inch displays. Cabin configuration permits up to four passengers or seat removal for internal cargo.
Supports: Capability · technical tags
The February 2026 book specifies Safran Arrius 2R dual-channel FADEC with automatic Auxiliary Control Unit backup, engine-parameter recording and avionics-stored data. The cockpit uses Garmin G1000H NXi with dual 10.4-inch displays. Cabin configuration permits up to four passengers or seat removal for internal cargo.
Vertical reported June 29, 2026 that CBC reported a GLLE pause on June 27, quoting DND and Bell on a scope reassessment. This is attributed secondary reporting; no post-pause delivery or restart is established.
Supports: Capability · maturity
Vertical reported June 29, 2026 that CBC reported a GLLE pause on June 27, quoting DND and Bell on a scope reassessment. This is attributed secondary reporting; no post-pause delivery or restart is established.
The Canadian Coast Guard confirms that a Bell 429 was delivered at Mirabel on 15 September 2021, completing its light-helicopter renewal programme. Its 15 November 2021 release reports the renewal fleet as seven Bell 412EPI and sixteen Bell 429 helicopters, built in Canada. These are historical delivery and fleet figures.
Supports: Capability · defence applications
CCG describes these helicopters supporting navigation aids, environmental response, icebreaking, search and rescue, oil-spill and ice monitoring, ship-to-shore personnel and cargo transfers, and science missions.
Supports: Capability · maturity
The Canadian Coast Guard confirms that a Bell 429 was delivered at Mirabel on 15 September 2021, completing its light-helicopter renewal programme. Its 15 November 2021 release reports the renewal fleet as seven Bell 412EPI and sixteen Bell 429 helicopters, built in Canada. These are historical delivery and fleet figures.
Supports: Capability · summary
The Canadian Coast Guard confirms that a Bell 429 was delivered at Mirabel on 15 September 2021, completing its light-helicopter renewal programme. Its 15 November 2021 release reports the renewal fleet as seven Bell 412EPI and sixteen Bell 429 helicopters, built in Canada. These are historical delivery and fleet figures.
Bell announced the first flight of a modernized CH-146 on June 20, 2024; avionics, cockpit, engine and sensor changes were being tested. Flight milestone does not prove customer acceptance.
Supports: Capability · summary
Bell reported the first flight of one upgraded CH-146C Mk II at Mirabel under GLLE. The release describes avionics, cockpit, engine and sensor modifications and forecast delivery in 2026 pending military certification. First flight is not fleet acceptance, completed military certification or evidence that the later programme pause ended.
Supports: Capability · maturity
Bell reported the first flight of one upgraded CH-146C Mk II at Mirabel under GLLE. The release describes avionics, cockpit, engine and sensor modifications and forecast delivery in 2026 pending military certification. First flight is not fleet acceptance, completed military certification or evidence that the later programme pause ended.
The supplier's 500th Bell 429 delivery announcement says aircraft acceptance occurred at Bell Textron Canada Ltd. in Mirabel and names its commercial production line as Bell 505, Bell 407GXi, Bell 429 and SUBARU Bell 412EPX. The customer was Brazil's Mendes Group. Global fleet hours in this release are not Canadian-only experience.
Supports: Capability · core features
The supplier's 500th Bell 429 delivery announcement says aircraft acceptance occurred at Bell Textron Canada Ltd. in Mirabel and names its commercial production line as Bell 505, Bell 407GXi, Bell 429 and SUBARU Bell 412EPX. The customer was Brazil's Mendes Group. Global fleet hours in this release are not Canadian-only experience.
Skies reported on 29 June 2026 that CBC's 27 June reporting described GLLE work paused for scope reassessment, citing DND and Bell statements. The reported reassessment concerns cost, schedule, complexity and replacement-fleet planning. Treat this as attributed reporting, not a newly recovered official award amendment, cancellation or programme restart.
Supports: Capability · maturity
Skies reported on 29 June 2026 that CBC's 27 June reporting described GLLE work paused for scope reassessment, citing DND and Bell statements. The reported reassessment concerns cost, schedule, complexity and replacement-fleet planning. Treat this as attributed reporting, not a newly recovered official award amendment, cancellation or programme restart.
Bell Textron Inc. announced on7May 2025 that SUBARU Bell 412EPX received Transport Canada Civil Aviation validation and could begin Canadian flight operations. This is a primary supplier report of a regulatory milestone, not a recovered TCCA validation instrument. The release states 12200 lb internal gross weight,13000 lb external gross weight and 5000 lb cargo-hook load, with gearbox dry-run capability. It does not establish CH146C MkII military certification, installed options, individual aircraft acceptance or Canadian military deployment.
The issuer names Bell Textron Canada limitée (operating name Limited) for CW2340003 / WS4334479233, awarded 15 December 2023, term 1 April 2024–31 March 2039, CAD 2,283,021,216. Its amendment table links 18 March 2026. This is disclosed contract value rather than revenue/expenditure; the listing does not establish a newly increased value. ISS is separate from GLLE modernization.
Supports: Defence need · Canadian submarine sustainment and industrial capacity
The public notice calls for Canadian industrial participation and a domestic sustainment approach covering infrastructure, training, maintenance, and through-life support.
