Sikorsky [UTX] delivered six CH-148 Cyclone helicopters to Canada during an acceptance celebration on June 19, the company said.
These are the first of 28 Cyclone aircraft set to be delivered to the Canadian Armed Forces. The Cylones can perform tasks including anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and utility missions in various environments.
Sikorsky is introducing increased capabilities to be phased in while the Royal Canadian Air Force determined operational strategy and additional personnel are trained on the aircraft, the company said. Over 40 personnel have completed the initial training.
The Cyclone is meant to replace Canada’s Sea King helicopter fleet beginning no 2018, when deliveries and capability upgrades are set to be completed. The CH-148 is a military version of Sikorsky’s S-92.
The acceptance ceremony at Shearwater, Canada included Canadian Defense Minister Jason Kenney; Public Works and Government Services Minister Diane Finley; Justice Minister Peter MacKay.
The event was “a major milestone for the Canadian Armed Forces, our industry partners, Sikorsky and all of our employees committed to this unique and highly sophisticated aircraft,” William Gostic, vice president of the CH-148 Maritime Helicopter Program (MHP), said at the celebration.
“In addition to today’s deliveries, Sikorsky will continue developing and enhancing the capability of the Cyclone to meet all of Canada’s required operational capabilities. In our view, the CH-148 Cyclone will be the world’s most advanced maritime helicopter,” Gostic added.
“Today is an exciting day as we take another significant step forward in the Cyclone project. I am confident this modern aircraft will improve our aviators’ and sailors’ ability to work together in defense of Canada from current and future threats,” Kenney said at the event.
The Canadian government signed a contract amendment for this deal last year (Defense Daily, June 19, 2014).