Bluedrop Training & Simulation Inc. has received a US$13 million contract from Sikorsky to provide instructors and training courseware for pilots and maintainers learning to operate Canada’s new fleet of 28 CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopters. The agreement extends by three years the training that Bluedrop has provided to the programme — known as the Canadian Maritime Helicopter Project — since 2010.

“This training agreement will ensure that RCAF aircrew and maintenance personnel remain in complete readiness to fly and maintain the Cyclone helicopters as the Canadian Maritime Helicopter Project transitions from development to operational status,” said Jean-Claude Siew, Bluedrop Vice-President Technology & Simulation. “We thank Sikorsky for its continued trust in Bluedrop and our Halifax-based training team. This contract extension provides stability to our business.”

Bluedrop will provide over 30 highly-skilled technician and aircrew instructors, simulator operators and training program support personnel for the 406 Operational and Training Squadron located at 12 Wing Shearwater in Nova Scotia. The Cyclone training suite includes two flight simulators, two operational mission simulators, six mission procedures trainers and two aircraft maintenance trainers; supplemented by several maintenance part task trainers.

Designed for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, CH-148 Cyclone aircraft was developed as a sophisticated maritime helicopter for operation aboard Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigates. The new aircraft are replacing Sikorsky Sea King helicopters, which have served Canada in the maritime role for the past 50 years.

Sikorsky (Stratford, Connecticut) leads the Canadian Maritime Helicopter Project industry team with principal subcontractor General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada (Ottawa, Canada). The team is delivering 28 CH-148 Cyclone helicopters to the Royal Canadian Air Force over six years. Canada accepted the first six aircraft with a Block 1 configuration in mid-2015, and will accept six Block 2 aircraft with enhancements to the mission systems and airframe in 2018. All 28 aircraft with full operational capability will be fielded in 2021.