05.12.2004, 16:40
Zitat:Backgrounder: the Maritime Helicopter ProjectQuelle: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.defense-aerospace.com/cgi-bin/client/modele.pl?session=dae.6427371.1102257380.QbMc5MOa9dUAADm3zIU&modele=jdc_34">http://www.defense-aerospace.com/cgi-bi ... ele=jdc_34</a><!-- m -->
(Source: Canadian Department of National Defence; issued Nov. 23, 2004)
(Note: all amounts in Canadian dollars)
INTRODUCTION
There is no question that the Canadian Forces (CF) needs a new maritime helicopter suitable for the operational demands of the 21st century. The CH-124 Sea King has been in service since the 1960s and, despite the many upgrades and meticulous maintenance it has received throughout its service life, today it is obsolete and increasingly expensive to maintain. To meet current and future defence requirements, Canada clearly needs a maritime helicopter capable not only of the myriad operations possible in today's global environment, but also of integrating smoothly into the Navy's fleet of modern, highly interoperable patrol frigates.
Until that helicopter can be identified and acquired, the Sea King will continue to perform in a wide range of important roles wherever Her Majesty's Canadian ships are deployed.
A helicopter extends the offensive reach and defensive perimeter of a warship to about 175 km (more than 100 nautical miles) on the surface of the sea, and adds hundreds of metres of altitude as well. It also contributes: