Rare Cold War-era helicopter ‘Flying Banana’ finds new home at Trenton’s National Airforce Museum of Canada

Despite its nickname, the latest addition to the National Air Force Museum of Canada’s aircraft collection is not a piece of airworthy fruit.

The museum recently welcomed a Vertol Canada CH-125 Workhorse (Piasecki H-21B), commonly known as the “Flying Banana” because of its distinctive shape.

The helicopter arrived at the museum in Trenton on Saturday after being transferred from the BC Aviation Museum in Saanich, B.C.

The CH-125 was first acquired by the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1954 and remained in service until 1973. During its early years, the helicopter was used to transport personnel, equipment and supplies to remote radar sites across Canada before later moving into a search and rescue role.

According to Laura Imrie, curator at the National Air Force Museum of Canada, the aircraft fills an important gap in the museum’s collection.

“This was an important acquisition for the NAFMC because the CH-125 has an interesting operational history,” Imrie told Quinteist. “It is a Cold War era helicopter that was used to construct and maintain the Mid-Canada Line radar sites, and afterwards it transitioned to a Search and Rescue role. The museum’s CH-125 is an exciting addition because this era of SAR operations is currently not represented within our aircraft collection.”

Imrie said the aircraft also has a local connection, having served at CFB Trenton with 424 Search and Rescue Squadron.

“This will be the oldest helicopter in our collection (the Dragonfly on display in our gallery is on loan from CASM). It also has a unique service history, including serving here at CFB Trenton with 424 Search and Rescue Squadron.”

The helicopter was acquired after the BC Aviation Museum received two Piasecki H-21B aircraft that had previously been at a logging camp in Golden, B.C.

“The BC Aviation Museum accepted a donation of 2 Piasecki H-21B (CH-125) aircraft from a logging camp in Golden, BC a few years ago. They’ve restored one, and offered the other to another Museum. Our curatorial team jumped on the chance!”

The newly acquired CH-125 still carries its original paint scheme and tail number, 9641. However, a significant restoration process is ahead.

Its rotor blades, engine and spare parts remain in British Columbia, and the museum will need to arrange transportation before major restoration work begins.

Imrie said the aircraft is in rough shape but the museum’s restoration team is ready for the challenge.

“Our CH-125 is in poor condition. It will need to be fully restored by our team. It’s hard to say how rare it is to have one in this condition, because it’s not in great shape. This is another reason why we were set on acquiring the airframe – we have an incredibly skilled team of volunteers in our restoration shop who are passionate about what they do. If anyone can get it looking just like it did in service, it’s our team.”

While the CH-125 was later used in search and rescue, the aircraft will not be restored in the familiar yellow colours associated with modern SAR aircraft. Instead, it will return to its original blue, white and red paint scheme used by Air Transport Command rescue aircraft.

According to Imrie, the RCAF purchased 20 Piasecki H-21 helicopters, though it is unclear how many remain today.

“There is one on display at the Comox Air Force Museum, one at the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum, and another at the BC Aviation Museum.”

There is currently no timeline for completion of the restoration. Museum staff are assessing the aircraft before work begins.

Visitors can expect to see the CH-125 moved into the museum’s restoration shop within the coming weeks.