Ottawa Business Journal

Sikorsky Aircraft and Canadian government officials have opened a project office at Sikorsky's main maufacturing facility in Connecticut to oversee the construction of Canada's new maritime search-and-rescue helicopters.

Seventeen government employees have been assigned to the project, along with staff from Sikorsky, General Dynamics and L-3 MAS Canada. General Dynamics Canada is responsible for the Cyclone's systems integration while L-3 MAS, based in Mirabel, is responsible for long-term in-service support of the aircraft for the Canadian Forces.

Sikorsky won the contract last November to build 28 H-92 maritime helicopters, which the Canadian Forces have designated the CH-148 Cyclone. They will replace the current fleet of aging Sea Kings.

First flight of the new helicopter is expected in November 2007.

"Co-locating key individuals from our MHP office within Sikorsky's facilities will help ensure this program proceeds as efficiently as possible," says Alan Williams, assistant deputy minister (materiel) for the Department of National Defence.

MHP office staff will also be co-located at General Dynamics Canada and L-3 MAS facilities.