Will Begin Deliveries Of The CH-148 Cyclone Helo Next Year

The Canadian Department of National Defense has signed a contract with Sikorsky that brings the Canadian Maritime Helicopter Program to completion, and accelerates the CH-148 Cyclone helicopter's entry into operational service.

The amended contract enables Canada's Department of National Defense to take delivery of operationally relevant CH-148 Cyclone helicopters, and to begin retiring the current Sea King helicopter fleet, in 2015, and a program to enhance those capabilities culminating in a fully capable CH-148 maritime helicopter beginning in 2018.

According to the Canadian Ministry of Defense, the total budget of $1.9 billion (Canadian) for the acquisition of the 28 CH-148 Cyclone helicopters has not changed. The budget for in-service support (including the amendments to the contract) totals $5.7 billion.

The project is being implemented under a new governance model, including integrated teams from Sikorsky and Canada, supported by Hitachi Consulting. The amendment to the in-service support contract extends the term by an additional 10 years at rates based on those competed in 2004, thus generating significant value for taxpayers. This amendment ensures maintenance of the Cyclone helicopters until 2038.

“Our Government is working tirelessly to provide our men and women in uniform with the equipment they need to get the job done, and these amendments are a testament to that fact," said The Honorable Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defense. "The CH-148 Cyclone will be a highly capable aircraft, making it a leading maritime helicopter.”

"This agreement clears the way for us to deliver the world's most advanced maritime helicopter capability to the Royal Canadian Air Force," said Mick Maurer, president of Sikorsky. "We thank the government for its shared commitment to work through the issues that had delayed the program."

(Image from file)

FMI: www.sikorsky.com