The CH-148 Cyclone as it was designated has been chosen as the Royal Canadian Air Force's new Maritime and Naval helicopter. The civillian base, the H92, is maufactured by Sikorsky to allow the phasing out of the older Sea Kings that have flown in service in Canada since about the 1960's. Many people think that this order is long overdue as more often the older Sea Kings are either grounded or crashing. Two helicopters were in the selection process-the Sikorsky H92 as well as the Brittish Cormmorant which is currently being used by the RCAF in main land search and rescue operations. Many said that the Cormmorant would have been the smarter choice, though with a bigger price tag, would make maintainenance a lot easier and allow pilots to switch between roles without going over more training. The first helicopter is expected to be delivered in 2008 with one each month after to complete the fleet of 28. The pricetag for this project which included a 20 year maintenance agreement came to a cost of 5 billion dollars. But also there are things in it that may benefit Canadians. Some sub assemblies will be manufactured here in Canada making an opening for approximately 600 jobs as one source claimed. Many people say that with the results being like this the governemt should invest into more projects. The government has also spoken that in the contract to be signed this fall, there will also be a bonus given for each chopper arriving before schedule, and a penalty for each one arriving late.

I still think they shoulda developed an indigenious Canadian helicopter even though the price tag would be huge.
Ah well atleast we've got something to replace the doomcopters.