Canada Issues Solicitation For Maritime Helicopter

Sea Power, Feb 2004

On Dec. 17, 2003, the Canadian minister of national defense formally issued a request for proposals for the $3 billion maritime helicopter project. The contract will include 28 fully integrated maritime helicopters, a simulation and training suite, integrated logistic support, ship modifications, and a 20-year in-service support contract. The solicitation closes April 30, with an announcement of the winner expected in the summer.

To date, three industry consortia have been identified to participate in the maritime helicopter project. The first candidate is the Sikorsky Maritime Helicopter Team of Sikorsky, Bombardier, General Dynamics Canada, and L-3 MAS Canada, with their H-92 Superhawk. Second is Team Cormorant, led by Agusta-Westland, and including Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, and CAE Inc., with a variant of the EH-101. The final candidate is Lockheed Martin Canada in conjunction with NH Industries and Thales Systems Canada, with their MH-90 NATO frigate helicopter. There is no clear front-runner, as all three teams will provide Canadian industry with revenue from the project.

The history of the project goes back to 1986, when the Canadian Navy requested 50 EH-101 Cormorants to replace the existing Sea Kings at a cost of $5.8 billion. Increased pressure from the public, the end of the Cold War, and numerous budget cuts all put the program on hold. The Canadian Navy's Sea Kings are 30 years old and require costly maintenance to keep airworthy.