Royal United Services Institute of
Vancouver Island (RUSI-VI)

Cyclone takes first flight

The first Canadian CH-148 Cyclone helicopter, being developed by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation as a replacement for the CH-124 Sea King helicopter fleet, successfully completed its first flight November 15 at Sikorsky's Development Flight Center in Florida.

The helicopter was steered by Sikorsky test pilots using state-of-the-art, fly-by-wire technology. The aircraft hovered and successfully accomplished several low-speed handling tasks including forward flight at speeds reaching 30 knots, as well as sideward and rearward manoeuvres. The helicopter, tail No. 801, will continue to undergo a series of increasingly demanding flight tests that will culminate in certification and production deliveries.

Sikorsky will build 28 CH-148 helicopters for the Canada's Air Force. "The aircraft performed beautifully, easily achieving each manoeuvre attempted. We're extremely pleased," said Program Manager Dan Hunter. — The Maple Leaf, December 3, 2008.