Canadian H92 makes first landing on warship at sea

Canadian H92 makes first landing on warship at sea

25-Feb-2016 Source: RCAF

Bravo Zulu to the first Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) aircrew to successfully land a CH-148 Cyclone [that’s the local designation of the H92 military variant of the S92] helicopter on a Canadian warship at sea, as well as to the ship’s crew of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Halifax, involved with Cyclone testing and training for the past year. The milestone landing occurred on January 27, 2016.

HMCS Halifax began “ship helo operating limits” (SHOL) trials in January 2015 and spent five months working with the Cyclone to determine operating limits and best practices for the new helicopter. Recommencing the trials in January 2016, the crew of Halifax was happy to be a part of this breakthrough flight for the RCAF.

“This represents a great step forward towards full integration of the Cyclone helicopter into RCN operations,” said Commander Graham Roberts, the commanding officer of HMCS Halifax. “Halifax has been extremely impressed with the capabilities of the Cyclone over the past year and we look forward to continuing to work with the helicopter at sea in the coming months.”

Aircrew and the ship’s company shared similar sentiments. Captain Thomas Munro of 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, located at 12 Wing Shearwater, Nova Scotia, was the landing signals officer for the first landing. He was excited to be a part of the ongoing integration of the Cyclone helicopter and noted: “This week was an excellent opportunity for pilot force generation and an important milestone in the maritime helicopter project.”

Major Travis Chapman, Commanding Officer at the Helicopter Operational Test and Evaluation Facility (HOTEF) at 12 Wing, agrees: “The CH-148 Cyclone landing on HMCS Halifax is a tangible representation of the hard work and foundational effort the HOTEF has invested since acceptance of the aircraft. The facility continues to lead the introduction of the CH-148 weapon system by proving the operational capabilities of the aircraft and its in-service support structure.” HMCS Halifax will continue to operate with the Cyclone helicopter fleet for the rest of the winter, conducting SHOL trials and furthering the ongoing integration of the helicopter into naval operations.

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