Why Canadian military's Cyclone helicopters were grounded for 27 days in May

The Canadian military’s Cyclone helicopters weren’t flying for 27 days in May due to a lack of spare parts, and only one of them is now able to take to the skies. Canada has 26 of the ship-borne maritime helicopters, with a final one slated for delivery this year. The $5.8-billion fleet is normally used to provide air support for the Royal Canadian Navy. Their missions include surface and subsurface surveillance, search and rescue, and anti-submarine warfare. “On May 1, the Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division ordered a temporary pause to flying operations for the CH-148 Cyclone fleet, after questions emerged in late April about whether various spare parts for the aircraft were potentially in use beyond their service life. The temporary pause to flying operations was lifted as of May 27,” Kened Sadiku, who speaks for the Department of National Defence (DND), said in an email. “Certain aircraft components have a defined service life to ensure continued safety and airworthiness. Because using parts beyond their defined service life would pose risks to the safety of personnel and equipment, the decision was made to temporarily pause flight operations until certainty is regained.”

• Deadly Cyclone crash caused by 'conflict' between pilot, helicopter: Canadian military says
• Cyclone helicopter manufacturer sued by families of Canadian soldiers killed in 2020 crash

DND, the military and Sikorsky, which manufactured the helicopters, “have been working together to identify potential parts of concern. This includes components of the Cyclone’s landing gear, tail rotor driveshaft flange and auxiliary power unit, as well as engine parts,” Sadiku said. As of this past Wednesday, one Cyclone, now on deployment, returned to flying operations, he said. “The team works to do the same for the rest of the fleet.” The Cyclone “fleet is currently facing some challenges, such as aging datalink systems as well as sensor and other capabilities that are overdue for important upgrades,” he said. “Specific details, however, cannot be provided for reasons of operational security.” Military and government officials “are working together with industry partners to determine a way forward for the aircraft and the capabilities it supports,” Sadiku said. “The Cyclone remains capable of supporting Royal Canadian Navy operations and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.” Sadiku wouldn’t confirm Sikorsky has put a hefty price tag on replacing the Cyclones’ ageing datalinks — used to communicate digital information such as radar images to other aircraft, warships and shore bases. “The datalink upgrade project is still under evaluation, as such, schedule and costs are still being negotiated.” The military has flown other helicopters off the navy’s warships before. “In the past, CH-146 Griffons have landed on Royal Canadian Navy vessels in certain operational contexts (specifically, the relief efforts to Haiti in the wake of the 2010 earthquake,” Sadiku said. “However, none of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s helicopter fleets (besides the CH-148 Cyclone) are capable of fulfilling the maritime helicopter role in support of the Royal Canadian Navy.” Paul Martin’s Liberal government announced in 2004 that the Cyclones would replace Canada’s ageing fleet of CH-124 Sea King helicopters. “The Cyclones are what we call an orphan fleet,” said retired colonel Larry McWha, an aviation expert who commanded 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron at 12 Wing Shearwater, when it flew Sea Kings. That means many suppliers aren’t interested in producing parts for the Cyclones, McWha said. “It’s going to cost us money to keep (the fleet) viable.” McWha lives on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore. “I used to see Sea Kings flying by here all the time,” he said. “I have extremely rarely ever seen a Cyclone flying by.” Canada lost a Cyclone on April 29, 2020 when one of the helicopters crashed into the Ionian Sea, claiming the lives of six Canadian Armed Forces members. Months later, senior military officials said there was a “conflict” or “competition” between the Cyclone and its pilot moments before the aircraft, known as Stalker 22, plunged into the water off the coast of Greece. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.