Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone

The Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone is a twin-engine, multi-role shipboard helicopter manufactured by the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation for the Canadian Forces. A military variant of the Sikorsky S-92, the CH-148 is designed for shipboard operations and is intended to replace the venerable CH-124 Sea King, which has been in operation since the early 1960s. The helicopter will be operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force for the Royal Canadian Navy, and will conduct anti-submarine warfare (ASW), surveillance, and search and rescue (SAR) missions from Canadian warships. It will also provide tactical transport for national and international security efforts. The process to acquire a replacement for the Sea King originally began in 1992. Delivery of the 28 CH-148s ordered with full capability is expected to be completed in December 2013.