Military documents cite concerns with Cyclone helicopters
Posted Nov 4, 2013 06:31:39 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA – Military documents suggest air force officials warned nearly a decade ago that the replacement for Canada’s aging Sea King helicopters might not measure up.
The Canadian Press recently viewed military appraisals that cite a litany of concerns about Sikorsky’s plan to convert its S-92 helicopter for maritime and military missions.
They raised concerns about engine performance, acoustic noise and its ability to resist electronic interference.
But the government of then-prime minister Paul Martin awarded Sikorsky the contract to build so-called Cyclone helicopters.
The Harper government, which is looking at other helicopters, is expected to decide later this month whether to continue with the program.
The Cyclones were supposed to be ready in 2008, but Sikorsky has delivered only a handful of choppers for testing.
Ottawa has refused to accept the helicopters, saying they don’t meet the military’s requirements.
But Sikorsky says it has either provided solutions or resolved any technical issues.
