The Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone is a twin-engine, multi-role maritime helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation for the Canadian Forces. CH-148 is to replace Canada's main ship-borne maritime helicopter, the CH-124 Sea King.
The CH-148 will be operated by the Canadian Forces Air Command. It can conduct anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare, surveillance and control, search and rescue (SAR) missions. It will also provide tactical transport for national and international security missions.
The helicopter has been developed under the Canadian Forces' Maritime Helicopter Project (MHP). The project provides scope for the acquisition of 28 new, fully-equipped CH-148 Cyclone helicopters along with a long-term in-service support program. It will also provide 12 C-RAST helicopter haul-down systems for Halifax class (HFX) ships to accommodate the CH-148 Cyclone.
CH-148 is a military variant of the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter. It features a composite aluminium airframe with lightning-strike and high-intensity radio frequency pulse protection. It incorporates a wider four-bladed articulated composite main rotor blade in comparison with the S-70 Blackhawk. The tapered blade tip is angled downward to cut down noise and increase lift.
The helicopter can operate with modern high-tech naval frigates and is equipped with numerous safety features. Flaw tolerance, bird strike capability and engine burst containment are integrated into the design.
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