Sikorsky H-92 Superhawk / CH-148 Cyclone

The maritime helicopter built for naval and offshore missions

Overview

Sikorsky Helicopter United States 2008–Present $15.3 million

The Sikorsky H-92 Superhawk and its military derivative, the CH-148 Cyclone, are medium-lift helicopters designed for maritime and offshore operations. Developed from the S-92 civil platform, they provide long-range capability and advanced mission systems. The type serves both civilian and military operators.

Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × General Electric CT7-8A
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
2 × 3,000 shp · 2,237 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
22 economy · 6 business
Crew
—
Cabin width
6 ft 7 in  ·  2.01 m
Cabin height
6 ft 0 in  ·  1.83 m
Cabin length
20 ft 0 in  ·  6.10 m
Exterior length
56 ft 1 in  ·  17.10 m
Tail height
—
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
56 ft 4 in  ·  17.17 m
Baggage volume
140 ft³  ·  4.0 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
28,300 lb  ·  12,800 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
10,700 lb  ·  4,850 kg
Fuel capacity
760 gal · 2,900 L · 2,300 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
151 kt  ·  174 mph  ·  280 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
800 nm  ·  920 mi  ·  1,480 km
Fuel burn
1.22 nm/gal  ·  0.60 km/L
Ceiling
15,000 ft  ·  4,600 m
Rate of climb
1,310 ft/min  ·  7 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
(/) tap to zoom
(/)

Operational Context

Sikorsky H-92 Superhawk / CH-148 Cyclone — maritime multirole helicopter

The Sikorsky S-92 first flew in 1998 as a civil transport helicopter aimed at offshore energy and search and rescue markets. Its military derivative, the CH-148 Cyclone, was developed for the Royal Canadian Air Force as a shipborne maritime helicopter. The Cyclone entered service in the late 2010s after an extended development period.

Powered by two General Electric CT7 turboshaft engines, the aircraft cruises at approximately 150 knots (280 km/h). It has a maximum takeoff weight of about 26,500 pounds (12,000 kg). The maritime variant integrates advanced radar, sonar, and mission management systems for anti-submarine and surface surveillance roles.

The platform’s spacious cabin and long range have made it successful in offshore transport and search and rescue missions worldwide. In military service, it provides modern sensor integration and digital avionics for naval operations. The H-92 and CH-148 demonstrate the adaptability of a civil helicopter design to demanding maritime environments.