While offering no details, the Canadian government confirms it signed a contract amendment with United Technologies [UTC] parent of Sikorsky Aircraft, allowing the multi-billion Maritime Helicopter Program to move ahead to replace aging Sea-King helicopters with CH148 Cyclone helicopters.
Photo: Sikorsky
A statement from Sikorsky Thursday said it welcomed the contracting action, “to bring the Canadian Maritime Helicopter Program to completion and accelerate the CH148 Cyclone helicopter’s entry into operational service.”
Mick Maurer, president of Sikorsky, said: “This agreement clears the way for us to deliver the world’s most advanced maritime helicopter capability to the Royal Canadian Air Force. We thank the government for its shared commitment to work through the issues that had delayed the program.”
The amended contract enables Canada’s Department of National Defense to take delivery of operationally relevant CH148 Cyclone helicopters, and to begin retiring the current SEA KING helicopter fleet in 2015, the Sikorsky statement said.
The CH148 is a military version of Sikorsky’s S-92, and is equipped with a fully digital, fly-by-wire system. Approximately 28 helicopters would be delivered to finish the program.
Canada’s Maritime Helicopter Project involves the combat-capable helicopters, associated logistical and in-service support and spare parts. The project also includes modifications toe Halifax-class ships and the construction of a new training facility equipped with flight, mission and maintenance simulators.
In November 2004, Canada signed two contracts, one for the 28 CH148 helicopters, the first of which was to be delivered in November 2008, according to Canadian government fact sheet. The second contract was for 20-years of in service support.
Sikorsky issues led to various delays, contract amendments and third party analysis. Further amendments in April and June allowed the program to move forward.
Currently, the Canadian government fact sheet said all 28 aircraft are in production, and Canada continues to monitor program progress. Both the government and Sikorsky are confident helicopters with the required operational capability will be delivered to allow retirement of Sea King helicopters to begin in 2015. A fully capable CH148 Cyclone will be delivered in 2018.