12 Wing Shearwater makes historic landing with all RCAF crew on the back of HMCS Halifax. Ordinary Seaman Kwan, RCN Photo
A crew from the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) recently made history with the first all RCAF crew landing the Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone on the back of one of the Royal Canadian Navy’s modernized frigates, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Halifax. Pilots from 12 Wing Shearwater were conducting deck qualification training in advance of going to sea next month for further operational testing and evaluation.
The CH-148 Cyclone will replace the CH-124 Sea King as Canada’s main ship-borne maritime helicopter. Compatible with the latest high-tech naval frigates and equipped with several new safety features, this aircraft will fill the Canadian Forces’ operational demands well into the 21st century.
The RCAF’s Helicopter Operational Test and Evaluation Facility continues to lead the maritime helicopter community into the future through the safe and effective introduction of the Cyclone weapon system.
This marks another milestone in the Maritime Helicopter Project as the Canadian Armed Forces continue to make progress in replacing Canada’s Sea King Fleet.
