What's in the Cost?
At this point in time one could only guess what the actual unit price of the MH-53K will turn out to be. Likewise the one cannot even come close to estimating the unit cost or price of the Canadian CH-148 Cyclone at this time. Other than basic size and shape any comparisons of the Cyclone with a basic S-92 are ludicrous at best. A few of the many Cyclone modifications to the basic S-92 include:
• Increase Gross Weight – 30,000 lbs
• Run Dry Gear Boxes
• Increased Engine Performance
• Fly By Wire
An entire recertification effort is required, and on going, to accommodate many of the specific Canadian requirements. All of this is born by one customer at this time. Additional projected sales will help bring down the cost of this variant of the S-92. Comparing the cost of a basic747-200 to the cost of the VC-25 (Air Force One) provides a similar but exaggerated example.