Features Military Procurements
First CH-148 Cyclone arrives in Nova Scotia

May 19, 2011, Shearwater, N.S. – The first interim maritime helicopter, the CH-148 Cyclone, arrived at 12 Wing Shearwater, Nova Scotia, last week to support training of Canadian Forces (CF) aircrew and technicians for the Maritime Helicopter Project.

The first interim maritime helicopter, the CH-148 Cyclone, arrived at 12 Wing Shearwater, Nova Scotia, last week. Photo courtesy of Sikorsky.

“The arrival of this helicopter in Shearwater demonstrates progress
with this project and brings us one step closer towards the delivery of a
Maritime Helicopter capability that provides the Canadian Forces with a
modern, flexible helicopter to assist in the defence of Canada and
Canadian interests well into the future,” said the Honourable Peter
MacKay, Minister of National Defence.

On May 13, 2011, Sikorsky Operations International Inc. flew the
helicopter to Shearwater as part of its contractual obligation under the
Maritime Helicopter Project to deliver initial cadre training to the
Canadian Forces. The helicopter will be used as a ground-based training
aid for technicians.

The arrival of this helicopter does not mark formal delivery at this
time as Sikorsky has not yet met all of the contractual delivery
requirements. The helicopter will remain under Sikorsky title and
control until all requirements are met.

The CF will take formal delivery and assume ownership of the
helicopter once a Canadian military airworthiness certificate is granted
and once initial aircrew flight training is conducted.

Sikorsky continues to make steady progress. Formal delivery of the
first interim maritime helicopter is expected later this summer. The new
Cyclone, in its final configuration, will be at the forefront of modern
technology and will be one of the most capable maritime helicopters in
the world.