Canadian Forces' Acquisition of New CH-148 Cyclones Helicopters

Canadian Forces' Acquisition of New CH-148 Cyclones Helicopters

(NSI News Source Info) February 23, 2009: In July 2004, the Canadian Forces (CF) selected the H-92 Superhawk variant of Sikorsky's S-92 as the winner of the MHP, and designated the aircraft as the CH-148 Cyclone.

On 23 November 2004, Canada's Department of National Defence announced the award of a C$1.8 billion contract to Sikorsky to produce 28 helicopters, with the first aircraft scheduled to be delivered by November 2008.The first flight of the first production CH-148, serial number 801 (FAA registration N4901C), took place in Florida on 15 November 2008. Additional complications in the programme have delayed the aircraft from entering service until 2010.

Deliveries in November 2010 will allow testing and training to begin, but the Cyclone fleet will not be fully operational until 2013 according to Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC).

The CH-148 Cyclone is a variant of the four-bladed, twin-engine, medium lift H-92 Superhawk helicopter manufactured by the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation for the Canadian Forces' (CF) Maritime Helicopter Project.

The CH-148 is designed for shipboard operations and is intended to replace the venerable CH-124 Sea King, which has been in operation since the early 1960s. The helicopter will be operated by the Air Command and will conduct anti-submarine warfare (ASW), surveillance, and search and rescue (SAR) missions from Canadian warships. It will also provide tactical transport for national and international security efforts.