Lockheed to Supply ALQ-210 Derivative for CH-148 Helicopters

CH-148 Cyclone(click to view full) The recent GAO decision concerning the USAF’s CSAR-X program has given Sikorsky’s H-92 Superhawk platform a second life. At the moment, however, Canada remains the only country to order the helicopter (after a torturous, decades-long selection process) for use in a primary military role. As the CH-148 Cyclone, the 28 Superhawks on order will be Canada’s primary naval helicopter for many years to come. Delivery is lagging somewhat behind early expectations due to a strike at Sikorsky, but is expected in January 2009. As part of that overall program, Lockheed Martin just announced a $59.4 million U.S. Navy Foreign Military Sales contract to provide the helicopters with Radar Warning Receiver (RWR)/Electronic Support Measure (ESM) systems derived from its AN/ALQ-210 system, which will also be deployed on the US Navy’s new MH-60R multi-mission naval helicopters. The ALQ-210 passively detects, identifies and geo-locates hostile ground-based and airborne radar transmitters, and the systems provided to Canada’s Department of National Defence will also feature new functionality designed to meet specific Canadian Forces requirements. Honorary Col. Rick Mercer of 423 Maritime Helicopter Sqn will be relieved, we’re sure.