Vanguard Magazine

A AIR FORCE 26 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 www.vanguardcanada.com contention between the government and Sikorsky, Public Works Minister Diane Fin- ley would say only, "They are fully ready for operations." Likewise, when asked if the aircraft could meet the Transport Can- ada requirement for 30 minutes of flight time after a loss of lubrication fluids to the rotor transmission (a.k.a. 'run-dry') she said only, "The aircraft are fully compliant [with the safety requirement]." No details on how these major changes had occurred were provided. Still, progress has been made. Aircrew flight training is underway at Shearwater and the aircraft is regarded by them as a "delight to fly." When compared to the antique Sea King, the Cyclone has a state of the art "glass" cockpit and meets the expectations of young military pilots for a modern and reliable aircraft. The first two Sea Kings will be retired later this year, and the remainder of the 27 aircraft in the fleet will be out of service by 2018, when the last of the 28 final version Cyclones will be delivered. There will be no tears from the maintenance crews when the time comes to say goodbye to the old helicopters. The Cyclone will, in the fullness of time, undoubtedly become a superlative aircraft. The "Hitachi Report" on the Cyclone ac- quisition process, notes the state-of-the-art technology and advanced in-service support aspect of the Cyclone will result in a capabil- ity "that is likely unsurpassed in the world today." The increase in usable cabin space (+36%), range and endurance (+40%), and speed (+10%) will make this a very utilitarian aircraft in a wide range of combat and non- combat missions. In particular, the growing need for sea-based aircraft for disaster relief and humanitarian assistance missions will be well satisfied by this helicopter. The original purpose of Cyclone, as an integral part of the naval-air anti-subma- rine weapon system is still very necessary. Swedish defence analyst Dr. Jan Anders- son, writing in the Winter 2015 issue of Naval War College Review, identifies 40 countries that operate 416 submarines. He cites estimates of 150 new submarines be- ing built by 2021, with that total reaching as many as 300 in the next 15-to-20 years. Submarines are the naval weapon system of choice, especially by countries along the periphery of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. They will be a problem wherever the navy is sent. Knowing the global nature of the sub- marine situation, it is easy to surmise that Sikorsky sees aging SH-3 "Sea King" (and the related SH-61) helicopters creating a significant niche market for the H-92. There may be as many as 1,500 of them, and other similar types in widespread use with navies and coast guards around the world requiring replacement over the next decade. So, Sikorsky needs to "get it right" with the Canadian order to prove that their H-92 is the right choice for all of their other potential clients. Failing to do so will have far greater consequences for the company than the penalty payments once threatened by the Harper Government. Despite the fact that the VU-22 was chosen by the U.S. Marine Corps as its principle tactical air transport, it can only operate off of "large-deck amphibs," so the U.S. Navy will also eventually need a (from le) Public Works and Government Services Minister Diane Finley poses with Defence Minister Jason Kenney and Justice Minister Peter MacKay at the announcement of the ocial acceptance of six CH-148 Cyclones at 12 Wing Shearwater on June 19, 2015. Photo: MCpl Maggie Gosse, 12 Wing Imaging Services, Shearwater, N.S Look familiar? The CH-148 Cyclone is based on a civilian version. Adapting it to Canada's specific military requirements turned out to be quite the challenge for Sikorsky. Photo: Wikipedia On November 20 2008, Canada's first CH-148 Cyclone celebrated its initial flight at the Sikorsky Development Flight Center in Florida, USA. Photo: Sikorsky

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