General Dynamics Canada has chosen Rockwell Collins to provide a tactical data link capability for Canada's Maritime Helicopter Project (MHP). Under the MHP, prime contractor Sikorsky Aircraft is building 28 CH148 Cyclone helicopters for the Canadian Air Force. Rockwell Collins will provide 40 Link 11 modem and data link processors for installation in the Cyclones. Link 11 provides situational awareness, via HF, UHF and SATCOM, and is employed primarily in NATO operations. General Dynamics Canada will perform the integration.
In July 2004, the CH148 Cyclone was selected as Canada's new maritime helicopter and will be deployed on 12 Halifax class frigates. The first of these helicopters will be delivered in 2008. The CH148 Cyclone is a military version of the S-92 medium-sized helicopter and successor to the H-60 and Black Hawk and Seahawk family. The development of this helicopter is based on the proven technology of the Sikorsky Black Hawk. The CH148 can be configured as a tactical troop transporter, an anti-submarine warfare helicopter or as a search and rescue craft. A six-foot-wide aft ramp allows easy and fast loading and unloading of cargo and troops. It can be scrambled in less than two minutes. The helicopter has a large cabin, high survivability and long-range performance. The aircraft has day and night capability and reliability for all weather operations, including arctic and desert conditions, over a temperature range of –40 °C to +55 °C.
General Dynamics Canada will be responsible for systems integration and the mission data management system. Telephonics will supply the maritime surveillance radar and the APS-143B(V) multimode radar with integrated Mark XIIA IFF (Identification Friend or Foe). Rockwell Collins is also providing avionics, simulators, training and support to Sikorsky for the MHP.
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