Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky compete for Canadian helo

Sea Power, Aug 2003

Lockheed Martin Canada, a unit of Lockheed Martin Corp., and NH Industries announced on 17 June 2003 a formal teaming arrangement for the pursuit of the Canadian Maritime Helicopter Project. Lockheed Martin Canada will bid as one of the prime contractors for 28 new helicopters that will be operated from the Canadian Navy's Halifax-class frigates. Lockheed Martin Canada will propose a bid for the NH-90 helicopter in direct competition with Sikorsky Aircraft's newest military helicopter, the H-92 Superhawk.

A decision on the prime contractor for the $2 billion project should occur by the end of 2003, or early 2004 at the latest. The Canadian Navy is expecting delivery of the first units in 2005. A total of 28 helicopters are scheduled for delivery from 2005 through 2008.