OTTAWA, June 20 (UPI) -- Amendments to contracts for the acquisition and servicing of Sikorsky CH-148 helicopters have been completed by the Canadian government.
"I am pleased that this contract has now been completed and that we can fulfill our government's commitment to begin to retire the Sea Kings in 2015, and deliver a new and leading maritime helicopter to the Royal Canadian Air Force, while respecting taxpayer dollars," said Minister of Public Works and Government Services Diane Finley.
Canada and Sikorsky signed a principles of agreement for the procurement of CH-148 Cyclones in January. With Hitachi Consulting providing review and implementation services for the government's acquisition program.
Under an amended in-service agreement, support for the new helicopters by Sikorsky is extended for an additional 10 years at a lower cost.
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The CH-148 Cyclone is a twin-engine, multi-role helicopter developed by the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation for the Canada. It has a cruise speed of 148 miles per hour and a ceiling of 15,000 feet.
Canada is acquiring 28 of the helicopters, which will be phased into service to replace the Sea King aircraft in utility and anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare operations.
Canada envisages having a fully capable operational fleet of Cyclones in 2018. It said the amended procurement deal ensures on-time delivery of the aircraft.
The total price for the CH-148 program is about $1.75 billion.
"This agreement clears the way for us to deliver the world's most advanced maritime helicopter capability to the Royal Canadian Air Force," said Mick Maurer, president of Sikorsky. "We thank the government for its shared commitment to work through the issues that had delayed the program."
