440 (Transport) Squadron
440 (Transport) Squadron prides itself as being the only permanently-stationed Squadron North of the 60th parallel. Currently an integral unit of 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario, the Squadron has had a presence in Yellowknife since 1971. Initially consisting of a detachment of two aircrafts and associated personnel from the main body in 18 Wing Edmonton, the Squadron moved completely to Yellowknife in 1994 with the closure of that Wing.
With its current contingent of four CC138 Twin Otter aircrafts, the Squadron’s primary role is to provide air transport operations, primarily in support of Joint Task Force North, 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, and 1 Canadian Air Division. The Squadron also provides a secondary Search and Rescue response capability, and has been called upon to support major search operations as well as to search for missing hunters and snowmobilers. Deployments on Exercises and Operations take us throughout the North of Canada all the way to CFS Alert, as well as into Alaska and Greenland working with our US, and other international partners.
The squadron is comprised of approximately 59 personnel which include aircrew, technicians, supply technicians and logistics who are a mixture of Regular Force and Reserve Force members.
440 (T) Squadron is the lone Royal Canadian Air Force operator of the CC138 Twin Otter. This aircraft is well suited for flying in the rugged and austere Arctic and for enduring the harsh northern environment. Considered a light utility aircraft, the Twin Otter can carry passengers, cargo, or a combination of both. The Twin Otter has a cruise speed of 275 kilometers per hour and an effective range of approximately 1200 kilometers. The aircraft can be configured with a Para door to allow for aerial delivery of supplies and free fall parachutists. As seasonal and operational requirements dictate, the Twin Otter can be configured with wheels (3 different types of tires) or skis. This allows operations on paved, gravel, or abandoned runways; unprepared surfaces such as tundra, beaches, and gravel bars; or frozen fresh water lakes or sea ice. This versatility is unmatched by other RCAF fixed-wing aircraft.
The squadron badge depicts a bat in the center which is suggestive of night flying and the use of radar, and the cloud condition of poor visibility. Both of which were especially applicable to the squadron’s role when reformed as an all-weather fighting squadron in the 1950’s. The squadron’s motto is KA GANAWAITAK SAGUENAY (He who protects the Saguenay).
With its current contingent of four CC138 Twin Otter aircrafts, the Squadron’s primary role is to provide air transport operations, primarily in support of Joint Task Force North, 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, and 1 Canadian Air Division. The Squadron also provides a secondary Search and Rescue response capability, and has been called upon to support major search operations as well as to search for missing hunters and snowmobilers. Deployments on Exercises and Operations take us throughout the North of Canada all the way to CFS Alert, as well as into Alaska and Greenland working with our US, and other international partners.
The squadron is comprised of approximately 59 personnel which include aircrew, technicians, supply technicians and logistics who are a mixture of Regular Force and Reserve Force members.
440 (T) Squadron is the lone Royal Canadian Air Force operator of the CC138 Twin Otter. This aircraft is well suited for flying in the rugged and austere Arctic and for enduring the harsh northern environment. Considered a light utility aircraft, the Twin Otter can carry passengers, cargo, or a combination of both. The Twin Otter has a cruise speed of 275 kilometers per hour and an effective range of approximately 1200 kilometers. The aircraft can be configured with a Para door to allow for aerial delivery of supplies and free fall parachutists. As seasonal and operational requirements dictate, the Twin Otter can be configured with wheels (3 different types of tires) or skis. This allows operations on paved, gravel, or abandoned runways; unprepared surfaces such as tundra, beaches, and gravel bars; or frozen fresh water lakes or sea ice. This versatility is unmatched by other RCAF fixed-wing aircraft.
The squadron badge depicts a bat in the center which is suggestive of night flying and the use of radar, and the cloud condition of poor visibility. Both of which were especially applicable to the squadron’s role when reformed as an all-weather fighting squadron in the 1950’s. The squadron’s motto is KA GANAWAITAK SAGUENAY (He who protects the Saguenay).
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