Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Sea King chopper replacement delayed again
Manufacturer could face $80M in penalties
OTTAWA -- The manufacturer of the air force's new maritime helicopter has told National Defence it will deliver only five test aircraft this year -- opening the door to tens of millions of dollars in fines on a project the auditor general has said is late and over budget.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. is supposed to deliver a "fully mission capable" version of the CH-148 Cyclone helicopter by June or face a further $80 million in contract penalties on top of $8 million the federal government has already levied.
Senior defence officials said safety certification of the aircraft is ongoing and it's highly unlikely the giant U.S. aircraft-maker will meet its target, even though the program is years behind schedule.
"Sikorsky are only committing to deliver five by this year, which will be training aircraft," said a high-level defence source, who spoke to The Canadian Press on the condition of anonymity.
The Cyclones are the highly touted replacement for the CH-124 Sea Kings, which will mark a milestone 50 years in service in 2013. Foto: Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. is supposed to deliver a "fully mission capable" version of the CH-148 Cyclone helicopter by June or face a further $80 million in contract penalties on top of $8 million the federal government has already levied.
Senior defence officials said safety certification of the aircraft is ongoing and it's highly unlikely the giant U.S. aircraft-maker will meet its target, even though the program is years behind schedule.
"Sikorsky are only committing to deliver five by this year, which will be training aircraft," said a high-level defence source, who spoke to The Canadian Press on the condition of anonymity.
The Cyclones are the highly touted replacement for the CH-124 Sea Kings, which will mark a milestone 50 years in service in 2013. Foto: Sikorsky
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