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 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.