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Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone#Accidents

{{short description|Canadian multi-role naval helicopter}}

{{Use Canadian English|date=November 2021}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}}

{{Infobox aircraft

|name= CH-148 Cyclone

|image= File:Canadian CH-148 Departs Flight Deck During Keen Sword 21 (cropped).jpg

|caption= A CH-148 in 2020

|type= Maritime helicopter

|national_origin= United States

|manufacturer= Sikorsky Aircraft

|first_flight= 15 November 2008

|introduction= July 2018

|status= In service

|primary_user= Royal Canadian Air Force

|number_built= 27[https://canadiandefencereview.com/rcaf-helicopter-report-rcafs-rotary-fleet/]

|developed_from= Sikorsky S-92

}}

The Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone is a twin-engine, multi-role shipborne helicopter developed by the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation for the Canadian Armed Forces. A military variant of the Sikorsky S-92, the CH-148 is designed for shipboard operations and replaced the CH-124 Sea King, which was in Canadian Armed Forces operation from 1963 to 2018.

The Cyclone entered operational service with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 2018 and now conducts anti-submarine warfare (ASW), surveillance, and search and rescue missions from Royal Canadian Navy frigates. The helicopter also performs utility and transport roles in support of national and international security efforts.{{cite web |url=http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/v2/equip/ch148/index-eng.asp |title=CH-148 Cyclone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205085151/http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/v2/equip/ch148/index-eng.asp |archive-date=5 December 2010 |publisher=Canada's Air Force |department=Department of National Defence |access-date=30 November 2008}} In 2004, Canada awarded Sikorsky Aircraft a contract for 28 CH-148s with deliveries originally planned to start in 2009. Deliveries were repeatedly delayed due to development issues and difficulty fulfilling contract requirements; the first deliveries, involving six initial helicopters (designated as Block 1), occurred during June 2015. Three years later, the Cyclone Block 2 achieved initial operating capability (IOC). The fleet was briefly grounded in early 2020 following a crash that was attributed to poor documentation and software flaws.

Development

=Origins=

{{main|Canadian Sea King replacement}}

Canada began to seek a replacement for the Sea King maritime helicopter in 1986 when it issued a solicitation for the New Shipborne Aircraft (NSA) Project. A variant of the AgustaWestland EH101 was selected and a contract was signed by the nation's governing party at the time, the Progressive Conservatives. After a change of government to the Liberal party, the EH-101 contract was cancelled. The cancellation resulted in a lengthy delay to procure a replacement aircraft. The project took on increased importance in the early 2000s and another procurement competition was initiated.{{cite web |last=Pigott |first=Peter |url=http://www.helicoptersmagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3520&Itemid=145 |title=Playing the Waiting Game |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629110156/http://www.helicoptersmagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3520&Itemid=145 |archive-date=29 June 2013 |work=Helicopters magazine |date=2012 |access-date=15 May 2013}}

On 23 November 2004, Canada's Department of National Defence announced the award of a {{CAD|1.8 billion}} contract to Sikorsky to produce 28 helicopters, with deliveries scheduled to start in January 2009.{{cite web |url= http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/v2/equip/ch148/bgd-doc-eng.asp |title= Background Information CH-148 Cyclone Helicopter |publisher= Department of National Defence |access-date= 23 January 2010 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101205131640/http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/v2/equip/ch148/bgd-doc-eng.asp |archive-date= 5 December 2010 }} In addition, Sikorsky's subcontractors, General Dynamics Canada and L-3 MAS are responsible for in-service maintenance and the Maritime Helicopter Training Centre including two Operational Mission Simulators. Other elements of in-service support include the Integrated Vehicle Health Monitoring System, spares and software support.{{cite magazine |url=http://naval.review.cfps.dal.ca/archive/public/vol4num2art8part.pdf |url-status=dead |title=Making Waves |last=Orr |first=John |magazine= Canadian Naval Review |date=Summer 2008 |volume=4 |number=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706174826/http://naval.review.cfps.dal.ca/archive/public/vol4num2art8part.pdf |archive-date=6 July 2011 |pages=31–32}}

The first flight of the first production CH-148, serial number 801 (FAA registration N4901C), took place in Florida on 15 November 2008.{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/11/18/318995/pictures-first-flight-for-canadas-cyclone-maritime-helicopter.html |title=First flight for Canada's Cyclone maritime helicopter |website=Flightglobal.com |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |date=18 November 2008 |access-date=30 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206055251/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/11/18/318995/pictures-first-flight-for-canadas-cyclone-maritime-helicopter.html |archive-date=6 December 2008 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/795/sikorsky-flies-first-ch-148-cyclone/ |title=Sikorsky flies first CH-148 Cyclone |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211215718/http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/795/sikorsky-flies-first-ch-148-cyclone/ |last=Osborne |first=Tony |archive-date=11 February 2009 |work=Rotorhub.com |via=shephard.co.uk}}

=Delays and upgrades=

In May 2010, Sikorsky announced an engine upgrade for the CH-148 Cyclone by the end of 2012. General Electric was developing a new engine version based on the CT7-8A1. The CT7-8A1 makes the CH-148 Cyclone heavier and less efficient than expected. General Electric developed the CT7-8A7 to be certified by June 2012 and eventually integrated into the Cyclone as soon as possible. General Electric developed the upgraded engine at its own expense. The new CT7-8A7 engine version produces 10% additional horsepower.{{cite web |url=http://www.tv5.ca/sujets/actualites/de-nouvelles-configurations-des-moteurs-pour-les-helicopteres-maritimes-canadiens.html |title=De nouvelles configurations des moteurs pour les hélicoptères maritimes canadiens |language=French |work=TV5 |date=21 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615113718/http://www.tv5.ca/sujets/actualites/de-nouvelles-configurations-des-moteurs-pour-les-helicopteres-maritimes-canadiens.html |archive-date=15 June 2011 }} The CT7-8A7 included modifications to the fuel manifold and nozzles. Interim CH-148s were to be provided with CT7-8A1 engines.{{cite web |url= http://news.ca.msn.com/canada/cp-article.aspx?cp-documentid=24317627 |title= Another engine change for Navy choppers |last= Tutton |first=Michael |agency=The Canadian Press |publisher=MSN News |date= 21 May 2010 |access-date= 24 May 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110720091846/http://news.ca.msn.com/canada/cp-article.aspx?cp-documentid=24317627 |archive-date= 20 July 2011 |url-status= dead }}

Additional complications in the program, and restrictions from US government International Traffic in Arms Regulations delayed initial aircraft deliveries until 2010.{{cite web |url= http://www.aviationtoday.com/regions/canada/Security-Restrictions-May-Hamper-Canadian-Purchases_9922.html |title= Security Restrictions May Hamper Canadian Purchases |website= Aviation Today |date= 27 March 2007 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150609054911/http://www.aviationtoday.com/regions/canada/Security-Restrictions-May-Hamper-Canadian-Purchases_9922.html |archive-date= 9 June 2015 }} Further delays resulted in expected delivery pushed to 2015.{{cite web |work=National Post |url=http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2013/07/23/michael-byers-and-stewart-webb-replace-the-sea-kings-now/ |title=Replace the Sea Kings. Now |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130906122015/http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2013/07/23/michael-byers-and-stewart-webb-replace-the-sea-kings-now/ |archive-date=6 September 2013 |first1=Michael |last1=Byers |first2=Stewart |last2=Webb |date=23 July 2013}} In 2013 Canada rejected the delivery of "interim" helicopters offered by Sikorsky that lacked critical mission systems.{{cite web |work=Defense News |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130720/DEFREG02/307200005 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130720155313/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130720/DEFREG02/307200005 |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 July 2013 |title=Canada Refuses To Accept Sikorsky Helos |date=20 July 2013 |first=David |last=Pugliese}} In September 2013, the Canadian government announced that they were reevaluating the CH-148 purchase, and would examine cancelling the contract and ordering different helicopters if that were the better option;{{cite web |url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/military-team-sent-to-evaluate-helicopters-other-than-troubled-cyclones-1.1442363 |title=Military team sent to evaluate helicopters 'other' than troubled Cyclones |last=Brewster |first=Murray |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906121123/http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/military-team-sent-to-evaluate-helicopters-other-than-troubled-cyclones-1.1442363 |archive-date=6 September 2013 |work=CTV News |agency=The Canadian Press |date=5 September 2013}} by this point, Sikorsky had accrued over $88 million in late damages since 2008.{{cite news |work=The Globe and Mail |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/helicopter-purchases-fate-in-doubt-as-ottawa-examines-other-models/article14155484/ |title=Helicopter purchase's fate in doubt as Ottawa examines other models |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907064730/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/helicopter-purchases-fate-in-doubt-as-ottawa-examines-other-models/article14155484/ |archive-date=7 September 2013 |first=Steve |last=Chase |date=5 September 2013}}

In June 2014, it was announced that the Canadian government had removed the mandatory requirement from Sikorsky to supply the CH-148 with a 30-minute run-dry main gearbox. This was a key safety feature defined as mandatory in the original RFQ and one of 7 concessions made to Sikorsky.{{cite web |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/sea-king-replacements-7-6b-cyclone-maritime-helicopters-lack-key-safety-requirement-1.2684036 |title=Sea King replacements: $7.6B Cyclone maritime helicopters lack key safety requirement |work=CBC News |date=23 June 2014 |last=Cudmore |first=James}} The Canadian government stated that these concessions would not affect the safety of Armed Forces personnel. However, oil loss in the main gearbox followed by several other factors caused the 2009 crash of a S-92, a civil version of the helicopter, off the coast of Newfoundland.{{Cite web |url=http://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-reports/aviation/2009/a09a0016/a09a0016.pdf |title=TSB Accident Investigation Report A09A0016 |access-date=19 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923213047/http://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-reports/aviation/2009/A09A0016/A09A0016.pdf |archive-date=23 September 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/inquiry-finds-16-separate-problems-in-2009-nfld-helicopter-crash/article587515/ |title=Inquiry finds 16 separate problems in 2009 Nfld. helicopter crash |last=Daly |first=Paul |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322130504/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/inquiry-finds-16-separate-problems-in-2009-nfld-helicopter-crash/article587515/ |archive-date=22 March 2016 |work=The Globe and Mail |date=9 February 2011 |access-date=9 February 2011}} Sikorsky added an oil cooler bypass switch and stated a similar accident is extremely unlikely.{{cite web |url=http://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/recommandations-recommendations/aviation/2011/rec_a1101.asp |title=Assessment of the Responses to Aviation Safety Recommendation A11-01 |access-date=21 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604235444/http://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/recommandations-recommendations/aviation/2011/rec_a1101.asp |archive-date=4 June 2012 |url-status=dead }} The effectiveness of the bypass switch has been questioned as it assumes that the leak will happen within the oil cooler assembly, and that the bypass can be activated in time to maintain enough oil. In the case of the S-92 crash, a titanium stud sheared causing catastrophic oil loss through the oil filter assembly.{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/chopper-in-fatal-crash-failed-safety-test/article1314370/ |title=Chopper in fatal crash failed safety test |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109015621/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/chopper-in-fatal-crash-failed-safety-test/article1314370/ |archive-date=9 January 2016 |last=Cheney |first=Peter |agency=The Canadian Press |work=The Globe and Mail |date=23 November 2009}}

Design

File:CH-148 Cyclone Heli.jpg]]

The CH-148 has a metal and composite airframe. The four-bladed articulated composite main rotor blade is wider and has a larger diameter than the S-70 Blackhawk. The tapered blade tip sweeps back and angles downward to reduce noise and increase lift. Tethered hover flight has recorded 138 kN (31,000 lbf) of lift generated, both in and out of ground effect. Unlike the Sea King, but in common with almost all current production naval helicopters, the Cyclone is not amphibious and cannot float on water.

A number of safety features such as flaw tolerance, bird strike capability and engine burst containment have been incorporated into the design. An active vibration system ensures comfortable flight and acoustic levels are well below certification requirements. The Cyclone will feature a modified main gearbox, which has been redesigned since a March 2009 accident.Warwick, Graham. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/awx/2011/02/10/awx_02_10_2011_p0-288977.xml&headline=Canada%20Wants%20Tougher%20Helicopter%20Gearbox%20Rules&channel=busav "Canada Wants Tougher Helicopter Gearbox Rules"]{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. Aviation Week, 14 February 2011.

The CH-148 is equipped with devices to search and locate submarines during ASW, and is equipped with countermeasures to protect itself against missile strikes. The Integrated Mission System is being developed by General Dynamics Canada,[http://www.gdcanada.com/content/detail.cfm?acronym=ch148 General Dynamics Canada – CH148 Cyclone – Maritime Helicopter Project – Overview] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070902211102/http://www.gdcanada.com/content/detail.cfm?acronym=ch148 |date=2 September 2007 }}, gdcanada.com as is the Sonobuoy Acoustic Processing System.[http://www.gdcanada.com/content/detail.cfm?acronym=Sonobuoy General Dynamics Canada – Sonobuoy Acoustic Processing Systems – Overview] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929200713/http://www.gdcanada.com/content/detail.cfm?acronym=Sonobuoy |date=29 September 2007 }}, gdcanada.com The radar is a Telephonics APS-143B,[https://www.telephonics.com/ Telephonics: Corporate Info] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627045427/https://www.telephonics.com/ |date=27 June 2017 }}, telephonics.com the EO System a Flir Systems SAFIRE III,[http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=95372&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=720484&highlight= FLIR – News Release] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125175221/http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=95372&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=720484&highlight= |date=25 November 2015 }}, corporate-ir.net the sonar an L-3 HELRAS,[http://www.l-3mps.com/oceansystems/helras_ds-100.aspx HELRAS DS-100 – Helicopter Long-Range Active Sonar] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222192123/http://www.l-3mps.com/oceansystems/helras_ds-100.aspx |date=22 December 2014 }}. L-3mps.com and the ESM, a Lockheed Martin AN/ALQ-210.[http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2007/LockheedMartinAwarded594MillionProv.html Lockheed Martin Awarded $59.4 Million to Provide Electronic Support Measure Systems to Canadian Forces] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080306000559/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2007/LockheedMartinAwarded594MillionProv.html |date=6 March 2008 }}. Lockheed Martin. CMC Electronics provides the flight management system, named CMA-2082MH Aircraft Management System.[http://www.esterline.com/avionicssystems/NewsnbspPressCenter/AvionicsBlog/tabid/2003/EntryId/720/CMC-Electronics-Awarded-Contract-by-Sikorsky-Aircraft-to-Supply-Next-Generation-Aircraft-Management-System-for-Canadian-H-92-Maritime-Helicopter-Project.aspx CMC Electronics Awarded Contract by Sikorsky Aircraft to Supply Next-Generation Aircraft Management System for Canadian H-92 Maritime Helicopter Project] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710202952/http://www.esterline.com/avionicssystems/NewsnbspPressCenter/AvionicsBlog/tabid/2003/EntryId/720/CMC-Electronics-Awarded-Contract-by-Sikorsky-Aircraft-to-Supply-Next-Generation-Aircraft-Management-System-for-Canadian-H-92-Maritime-Helicopter-Project.aspx |date=10 July 2011}}. esterline.com

Operational history

The Canadian Forces were to take delivery of CH-148s beginning in November 2008. In April 2009 the Government of Canada waived late fees and allowed Sikorsky two additional years to deliver compliant Cyclones. In February 2010, the first CH-148 arrived at CFB Halifax. Shearwater Heliport is the headquarters of 12 Wing, which were operating the CH-124 Sea King. Due to delays and export restrictions, the first 19 of the 28 CH-148 Cyclones were to be delivered in an interim standard which does not meet the original contract requirements. This allows operational testing and training to begin before the end of the year.{{cite web |url= http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post:799666a9-f7bc-497f-a3db-993d4cb5e5a7 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20120723173938/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post:799666a9-f7bc-497f-a3db-993d4cb5e5a7 |url-status= dead |archive-date= 23 July 2012 |title= Sikorsky's Cyclone Touches Down in Canada |website=Aviation Week |date= 8 March 2010 |access-date= 8 March 2010}} {{cite web |url= http://communities.canada.com/OTTAWACITIZEN/blogs/defencewatch/archive/2010/03/12/photos-of-the-cyclone-helicopter-at-shearwater-more-tests-expected-next-month.aspx |title= Photos of the Cyclone Helicopter at Shearwater: More Tests Expected Next Month |work=Defence Watch |date= 12 March 2010 |access-date= 12 March 2010 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://archive.today/20120712153302/http://communities.canada.com/OTTAWACITIZEN/blogs/defencewatch/archive/2010/03/12/photos-of-the-cyclone-helicopter-at-shearwater-more-tests-expected-next-month.aspx |archive-date= 12 July 2012}}

In March 2010, the first CH-148 was embarked on {{HMCS|Montréal|FFH 336|6}} for an intensive open seas trials including landing and takeoff.{{cite news |url=http://thechronicleherald.ca/Metro/1171508.html |title=Cyclone testing comes to Halifax |work=The Chronicle Herald |date=11 March 2010 |access-date=11 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100314053601/http://thechronicleherald.ca/Metro/1171508.html |archive-date=14 March 2010 }}{{cite web |url= http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Canadas-CH-148-Cyclones-Better-Late-Than-Never-05223/ |title= Sikorsky's CH-148 Cyclone naval helicopter prototype arrives in Canada for trials |website= Defense Industry Daily |date= 24 February 2011 |access-date= 3 March 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110213234259/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Canadas-CH-148-Cyclones-Better-Late-Than-Never-05223/ |archive-date= 13 February 2011 |url-status= live }} In June 2010, Sikorsky announced the Canadian Forces would receive six interim CH-148 Cyclones in November 2010.{{cite news |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/six-choppers-to-be-delivered-to-navy-by-summer-2012-1.520545 |title=Six choppers to be delivered to navy by summer 2012 |website=CTV News |date=8 June 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611083143/http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Canada/20100608/dnd-cyclone-deliveries-100608 |archive-date=11 June 2010 |agency=The Canadian Press}} In July 2010, Sikorsky reached an agreement on delay payments and deliveries; deliveries of the remaining CH-148s with full capabilities were to begin in June 2012.{{cite web |last=Trimble |first=Stephen |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/07/28/345477/sikorsky-accepts-concessions-to-canada-after-new-ch-148.html |title=Sikorsky accepts concessions to Canada after new CH-148 delays |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100731060613/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/07/28/345477/sikorsky-accepts-concessions-to-canada-after-new-ch-148.html |archive-date=31 July 2010 |website=Flight International |date=28 July 2010}} All interim-standard helicopters were to be retrofitted by December 2013.[http://www.forces.gc.ca/admmat/mhpschedule-phmecheancier-eng.asp Maritime Helicopter Project (MHP) Schedule]{{dead link |date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} Materiel Group, Department of National Defence, 16 February 2011.

On 22 February 2011, the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada announced the proposed arrival of nine Cyclones on Canada's west coast in the spring of 2014.{{cite press release |url=http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=3976 |title=New helicopter facility at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110306104558/http://pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=3976 |archive-date=6 March 2011 |publisher=Prime Minister of Canada |date=22 February 2011}} By March 2011 the six interim CH-148s had not been delivered. On 3 March 2011, the federal government announced that it would impose a fine of up to {{CAD|8 million}} on Sikorsky for failure to meet contractual obligations.{{cite news |first=Daniel |last=Leblan |title=Ottawa Seeks Cash for Copter Delays |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |date=3 March 2011}} In January 2012 it was reported Sikorsky would deliver five training CH-148s in 2012, including one "fully mission capable" CH-148 by June 2012, or face a further possible $80 million in contract penalties.{{cite news |url=http://thechronicleherald.ca/canada/56242-only-five-training-choppers-expected-year |title=Only five 'training' choppers expected this year |work=The Chronicle Herald |date=27 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130054009/http://thechronicleherald.ca/canada/56242-only-five-training-choppers-expected-year |archive-date=30 January 2012 |url-status=live }} On 10 July 2012 in reference to Sikorsky missing another delivery deadline, Defence Minister Peter MacKay called the Cyclone purchase "the worst procurement in the history of Canada".{{cite news |url=http://thechronicleherald.ca/canada/115872-mackay-blames-grits-for-worst-procurement-in-history-in-chopper-deal |title=Mackay blames grits for worst procurement in history in chopper deal |work=The Chronicle Herald |date= 11 July 2012 |access-date=11 July 2012}}

In December 2012, Louis Chenevert, chairman of Sikorsky's parent corporation United Technologies Corporation, stated that the five CH-148s scheduled for delivery in 2012 would instead be delivered in 2013, along with three additional helicopters. The remaining deliveries are to follow.{{cite news |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/Delivery+King+replacement+helicopters+delayed+once+again/7717268/story.html |title=Delivery of Sea King replacement helicopters delayed once again |work= Ottawa Citizen |date=18 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121221055922/http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Delivery+King+replacement+helicopters+delayed+once+again/7717268/story.html |archive-date=21 December 2012 |last=Pugliese |first=David}}{{cite news |last=Pugliese |first=David |url=http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/archives/story.html?id=c6afa4ac-81fb-4bab-a68a-da9612485787 |title=Sea King replacement delayed |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016060143/http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/archives/story.html?id=c6afa4ac-81fb-4bab-a68a-da9612485787 |archive-date=16 October 2013 |work=The Vancouver Sun |date=19 December 2012 |via=canada.com}} In October 2013, the project appeared to be on the verge of cancellation with the Canadian government ordering a possible change to the maritime helicopter requirements.{{cite news

|last = Cudmore

|first = James

|title = Sea King replacements could be smaller, cheaper helicopters

|url = http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sea-king-replacements-could-be-smaller-cheaper-helicopters-1.2055599

|newspaper = CBC News

|agency=The Canadian Press

|date = 15 October 2013

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131016165959/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sea-king-replacements-could-be-smaller-cheaper-helicopters-1.2055599

|archive-date = 16 October 2013

|location = Toronto

|url-status = live

}}

File:Halifax DSC08302 - CF Cyclone -811 (36286729876) (cropped).jpg

In June 2015, it was reported that Sikorsky was ready to begin deliveries of the first interim Cyclones to the Royal Canadian Air Force.{{cite news |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/cyclone-helicopter-is-finally-ready-for-the-rcaf-kind-of |title=Cyclone helicopter is finally ready for the RCAF….sort of |work=Ottawa Citizen |last=Pugliese |first=David |date=18 June 2015 |access-date=27 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630075448/http://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/cyclone-helicopter-is-finally-ready-for-the-rcaf-kind-of |archive-date=30 June 2015 |url-status=live }} Six helicopters were delivered on 19 June 2015, and two "Block 1.1" Cyclones were delivered in November–December 2015. These eight helicopters will allow for RCAF training on the Cyclone until the fully operational Block 2 Cyclones start to arrive in 2018.{{cite journal |last=Rempel |first=Roy |title=NSPS and the Coming Defence Review |journal=Canadian Defence Review |volume=22 |issue=2 |date=April 2016 |pages=97–101 |url=http://www.canadiandefencereview.com/zmags.php?p=Lz1PCWME}} A ninth CH-148 was delivered in August 2016.{{cite web |last=Drew |first=James |url=http://aviationweek.com/awindefense/canada-begins-withdrawing-ch-124s-9th-ch-148-arrives |title=Canada Begins Withdrawing CH-124s As 9th CH-148 Arrives |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820124545/http://aviationweek.com/awindefense/canada-begins-withdrawing-ch-124s-9th-ch-148-arrives |archive-date=20 August 2016 |work=Aviation Week |date=11 August 2016}} The eleventh helicopter was delivered in March 2017 as deliveries of the weapons system continue.{{cite web |title=Maritime Helicopter Project |url=http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/business-equipment/maritime-helicoper.page |website=Defence Canada |date= 9 March 2017 |access-date=29 October 2017}} In June 2018, the Cyclone was declared to have reached its "initial operating capability".{{cite web |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/procurement/ch-148-cyclone.html |title=CH-148 Cyclone procurement project |publisher=Government of Canada |date=16 July 2018 |access-date=10 February 2021}}

In July 2018, the RCAF announced that the Cyclone was assigned to a Canadian deployment as part of Operation Reassurance, with one helicopter leaving Canada on board {{HMCS|Ville de Québec|FFH 332|6}}.

In December 2021, the RCAF found cracks on the tails of 19 of the 23 CH-148s which had been delivered, leaving only 2 CH-148s without defects (the other 2 were already in long-term maintenance and had not been inspected), compromising Operation Lentus.{{Cite news |date=2021-12-05|title=Military repairing cracks in the tails of 19 CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopters |first=Michael |last=MacDonald |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/military-repairing-cracks-in-the-tails-of-19-ch-148-cyclone-maritime-helicopters-1.5694307|access-date=2021-12-05|website=CTV News |language=en}} The RCAF claimed that the issue had been addressed by the end of 2021, and CH-148 detachments continued to be deployed frequently on operations around the world throughout 2022. By December 2022, 26 out of 28 helicopters had been delivered, with most in Block 2 configuration.[http://www.canadiandefencereview.com/zmags.php?p=cQcJZ20 "The RCAF's Rotary Fleet"]. Canadian Defence Review Vol. 28 Issue 6, p. 78, Dec. 2022

Operators

;{{CAN}}

  • Royal Canadian Air Force – 27 helicopters delivered as of January 2025,{{cite book |title=The Military Balance |date=2025 |publisher=International Institute for Strategic Studies |isbn=978-1-041-04967-8}}{{rp|32}}[http://www.canadiandefencereview.com/zmags.php?p=cQcJZ20 "The RCAF's Rotary Fleet"]. Canadian Defence Review Vol. 28 Issue 6, p. 78, Dec. 2022 out of 28 total ordered. One helicopter was lost at sea in 2020.{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/decades-long-mission-to-replace-sea-kings-hits-another-snag/article4384407/ |location=Toronto |work=The Globe and Mail |title=Decades-long mission to replace Sea Kings hits another snag |date=2 July 2012 |access-date=3 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304113638/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/decades-long-mission-to-replace-sea-kings-hits-another-snag/article4384407/ |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=live }}
  • 406 Maritime Operational Training Squadron - since summer 2016
  • 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron - since January 2018
  • 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron - since August 2018

Accidents

  • On 29 April 2020, an RCAF CH-148 from 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, attached to {{HMCS|Fredericton|FFH 337|6}} and based at Shearwater Heliport crashed in the Ionian Sea during a NATO Mediterranean exercise, killing all six crew members aboard.{{cite web |last1=Ahronheim |first1=Anna |title=Canadian military helicopter crashes during NATO exercise |url=https://www.jpost.com/international/canadian-military-helicopter-crashes-during-nato-exercise-626389 |website=The Jerusalem Post |date=30 April 2020 |access-date=30 April 2020}}{{cite web|url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/military-says-all-remains-identified-in-crash-of-cyclone-helicopter-1.5621014|title = Military says remains of all 6 who died in Cyclone helicopter crash now identified|access-date = 23 June 2020|agency=The Canadian Press|work = CBC News|date = 20 June 2020|archive-url = https://archive.today/20200623120824/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/military-says-all-remains-identified-in-crash-of-cyclone-helicopter-1.5621014|archive-date = 23 June 2020|url-status= live}} As a result, all Cyclones in service were placed on an "operational pause"{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/cyclone-helicopter-crash-update-june-3-greece-1.5596575 |title=Search concludes for crashed chopper and lost Canadian service members |work=CBC News |date=3 June 2020 |access-date=10 February 2021}} until it was lifted on 16 June 2020.{{cite press release |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2020/06/operational-pause-of-ch-148-cyclone-fleet-lifted.html |title=Operational pause of CH-148 Cyclone fleet lifted |publisher=Government of Canada |date=16 June 2020 |access-date=10 February 2021}} An investigation attributed the accident to the electronic control system and fly-by-wire control law known as "Command Model Attitude Bias Phenomenon". This resulted in the CH-148 responding insufficiently to pilot inputs when the flight director was engaged. The investigation concluded that manufacturer-supplied materials contained "misleading or confusing" information, incomplete sections on automation and lacked manoeuvre descriptions. The recommended fix was to modify software governing the electronic flight control laws and enhance flight mode annunciation and awareness to the crew.{{cite web |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/corporate/reports-publications/flight-safety-investigation-reports/ch148822-cyclone-epilogue.html |title=CH148822 Cyclone - Epilogue |publisher=Royal Canadian Air Force |date=11 May 2021 |accessdate=5 March 2023 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20230305015024/https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/corporate/reports-publications/flight-safety-investigation-reports/ch148822-cyclone-epilogue.html |archive-date= 5 March 2023|url-status= live}}

Specifications

File:Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone drawing.svg

{{Aircraft specs

|ref=Canadian Forces MHP page & RCAF CH-148 profile.{{cite web |url= http://www.forces.gc.ca/admmat/maritimehelicopterprojectmhp-projetdhelicopteremaritimephm-eng.asp#fact |title= The Maritime Helicopter Project – PMO MHP |date= 21 July 2009 |access-date= 19 November 2009 |publisher= Canadian Forces |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090902035911/http://www.forces.gc.ca/admmat/maritimehelicopterprojectmhp-projetdhelicopteremaritimephm-eng.asp#fact |archive-date= 2 September 2009 }}{{cite web|url= https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/sikorsky-ch148-cyclone-helicopter.html#FEATURES|title= Sikorsky CH148 Cyclone Helicopter|website= www.lockheedmartin.com|access-date= 7 January 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190108200635/https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/sikorsky-ch148-cyclone-helicopter.html#FEATURES|archive-date= 8 January 2019|url-status= live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/aircraft-current/ch-148.page |title=CH-148 Cyclone |date=10 April 2013 |publisher=Royal Canadian Air Force |accessdate=2022-02-11 }}

|prime units?=kts

|crew=4 (2 pilots; 1 tactical coordinator, ACSO; 1 sensor operator, AES OP)

|capacity=6 in mission configuration, up to 22 in utility configuration.

|length ft=56

|length in=2

|length note=.

  • Folded Length: {{convert|14.78|m|ft|abbr=on}}

|width ft=17

|width in=3

|width note=fuselage

|height ft=15

|height in=5

|height note= S-92

|empty weight lb=15600

|empty weight note= S-92

|gross weight lb=

|gross weight note=

|max takeoff weight lb=29300

|max takeoff weight note=

|fuel capacity=

|more general=

|eng1 number=2

|eng1 name=General Electric CT7-8A7

|eng1 type=turboshaft engines

|eng1 shp=3000

|eng1 note=

|rot number=1

|rot dia ft=58

|rot dia in=1

|rot area sqft=2650

|rot area note= S-92

  • Blade section: - root: Sikorsky SC2110; tip: Sikorsky SSC-A09 - S-92{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}

|max speed kts=165

|max speed note=

|cruise speed kts=137

|cruise speed note=

|never exceed speed kts=

|never exceed speed note=

|range nmi=

|range note=

|combat range nmi=

|combat range note=

|ferry range nmi=

|ferry range note=

|endurance=

|ceiling ft=15000

|ceiling note=

|climb rate ftmin=

|climb rate note=

|time to altitude=

|disk loading lb/sqft=

|disk loading note=

|fuel consumption lb/mi=

|power/mass=

|more performance=

|armament=

|avionics=

}}

See also

{{Portal|Aviation|Canada}}

{{aircontent

|related=

|similar aircraft=

|lists=

}}

References

{{reflist|refs=

{{cite news |url = http://casr.ca/doc-dnd-ch148-cyclone-order.htm |title = Government of Canada proceeds with CH-148 Cyclone Procurement |publisher = Canadian American Strategic Review |date = 3 January 2014 |access-date = 16 January 2014 |archive-date= 16 January 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140116072212/http://casr.ca/doc-dnd-ch148-cyclone-order.htm |url-status = live}}

{{cite news |url = http://casr.ca/bg-helo-ch148-cyclone.htm |title = Background – CF Maritime Helicopter – Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone |publisher = Canadian American Strategic Review |access-date = 16 January 2014 |archive-date= 16 January 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140116181637/http://casr.ca/bg-helo-ch148-cyclone.htm |url-status = live |quote = Finally, in late 2003 there was a call for tenders. A winner was announced in July of 2004. The new Maritime Heli-copter would be Sikorsky's H-92 Superhawk which will be the CH-148 Cyclone in CF service.}}

{{cite news |url = http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/ch-148-cyclone-maritime-helicopter-delivery-announced-1.3119737 |title = CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter delivery announced |publisher = CBC News |date = 19 June 2015 |access-date = 19 June 2015}}

{{cite news |url = https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/rcafs-cyclone-helicopter-to-go-on-first-international-deployment-next-week |title = RCAF's Cyclone helicopter to go on first international deployment next week |work = Ottawa Citizen |first = David |last=Pugliese |date = 11 July 2018}}

}}

External links

{{Commons category|Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone}}

  • [https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/sikorsky-ch148-cyclone-helicopter.html CH-148 Cyclone page]
  • [http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/aircraft-current/ch-148.page Canadian Forces official webpage for the CH-148 Cyclone]
  • [http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/business-equipment/maritime-helicoper.page Canadian Forces Maritime Helicopter Project (MHP) webpage]

{{Black Hawk family}}

{{Sikorsky Aircraft}}

{{Canadian Forces aircraft}}

Category:Military helicopters

H-92 Superhawk

H-148

Category:2000s United States helicopters

Category:Twin-turbine helicopters

H-148

Category:Aircraft first flown in 2008