Canadian Forces to Receive Helicopter Fleet with Leading Edge Technology

>Canada, the Sikorsky S-92s first military customer, will not receive its first aircraft until November 2010, two years later than initially planned. (CHC photo)GATINEAU, Quebec --- The Minister of Public Works and Government Services, the Honourable Christian Paradis, and the Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, the Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, today announced amendments to the contracts with Sikorsky International Operations, Inc., for the Maritime Helicopter Project.>> These amendments represent a significant accomplishment in getting compliant maritime helicopters with a minimum of delay, while protecting the investment of Canadian taxpayers, said Minister Paradis. They will ensure that the Canadian Forces receive the new leading-edge helicopters that they need.>> The Canadian Forces will now receive their first Cyclone helicopter in November 2010, a date that will allow our men and women in uniform to continue their outstanding work, stated Minister MacKay. Were getting a great aircraft and we have come to the best agreement possible for the Canadian Forces members and for the Canadian public.>> In November 2004, the Government of Canada signed contracts with Sikorsky International Operations Inc. for the Maritime Helicopter Project, to provide 28 helicopters to replace the Canadian Forces Sea King helicopter fleet, as well as 20 years of in-service support and a training facility. In January 2008, Sikorsky formally advised the Government of delays in the original schedule. As a result of in-depth negotiations, these contract amendments were made to minimize the schedule changes, and add valuable cost-effective improvements to the helicopters within the original budget of the project.