Despite its name, the latest addition to the National Air Force Museum of Canada’s fleet of military aircraft is not a piece of airworthy fruit.
This past Saturday, the Museum accepted the delivery of a Vertol Canada CH-125 Workhorse (Piasecki H-21B) from the B.C. Aviation Museum in Saanich, British Columbia.
Commonly referred to as the “Flying Banana” due to its shape, this single-engine tandem rotor helicopter was first acquired by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1954 and remained in service until 1973.
During early service, the CH-125 transported personnel, equipment, and supplies to remote radar sites across Canada. After supporting transport operations, the helicopters were transitioned to a search-and-rescue (SAR) role until they were replaced by the CH-113 Labrador.
The museum’s newly acquired CH-125 is wearing its original paint scheme and tail number, 9641—but not much more. Its rotor blades, engine, and spare parts needed for restoration are still in B.C. The helicopter will require significant work from the museum’s restoration team to bring it to display condition.
Despite its name, and its role with SAR, CH-125 9641 will not sport the familiar yellow colour of today’s SAR aircraft. It will be restored to its original blue, white, and red paint scheme worn by Air Transport Command rescue aircraft.
Currently, there is no timeline for restoration. The restoration team is still assessing the aircraft and the Museum will need to secure transport for the remaining parts before significant work can begin.
Visitors can expect to see the CH-125 moved into the restoration shop within the next few weeks.
This press release was prepared and distributed by National Air Force Museum of Canada.
