Three RCN Vesselsoutfitted to take Cyclone helicopters; 9 helicopters now with RCAF

By: David Pugliese, Defence Watch

The RCAF now has nine CH-148 Cyclone helicopters in various stages of capabilities/configurations. Another six will be delivered by July of 2017.

But as being reported full operational capability – which the Canadian Forces says is having the full complement of Cyclone personnel available and trained to enable the maximum helicopter-detachment deployment capability on RCN ships – won’t take place until 2025.

At this point, HMCS Montreal, Halifax, and Calgary are currently outfitted to receive the CH-148 Cyclone, Department of National Defence spokeswoman Ashley Lemire told Defence Watch. “The hangar configuration and physical integration on all 12 Halifax-class frigates, which is included as part of the overall MHP project cost and scope, are being done concurrently with the RCN’s Halifax-class Modernization Project and almost all of the flight deck structural work is now complete, with the exception of HMCS Montreal, which was the prototype ship modification designed and implemented under the contract with Sikorsky,” Lemire noted in an email. “The remaining ships will be converted at a rate that closely matches and supports the production of deployable RCAF helicopter detachments.”