Canadian Forces News

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Northrop Grumman Wins Contracts to Supply Navigation Radars For Canadian Navy and Coast Guard

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - April 17, 2008 - Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has won contracts to upgrade the navigation radars on the Canadian Navy's Kingston-Class maritime coastal defense vessels (MCDV) and Canadian Coast Guard vessels.
The contracts, with a total value of more than $2 million (USD), were awarded to Northrop Grumman's Sperry Marine business unit.
SNC-Lavalin, the logistics support project manager for the MCDV program, has awarded contracts to Sperry Marine to replace the existing radar units on the 12 Kingston-Class ships. Each ship will be fitted with a suite of interswitched BridgeMaster E X-band and S-band radars with three 340-millimeter flat-screen displays. The installations will take place at the SNC-Lavalin facilities in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and Esquimalt, British Columbia.
Sperry Marine also recently received a three-year contract to upgrade the radars across the fleet of Canadian Coast Guard vessels with new BridgeMaster E 180, 250 and 340 radar sets.
"Sperry Marine has been a major supplier to the Canadian Navy and Coast Guard for many years," said Alan Aitken, national sales manager for Sperry Marine Canada. "These recent contract awards are a reflection of Sperry Marine's outstanding reputation for reliable state-of-the-art equipment backed by an extensive worldwide service organization."
Sperry Marine, headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., and with major engineering and support offices in New Malden, United Kingdom and Hamburg, Germany, provides smart navigation and ship control solutions for the international marine industry with customer service and support through offices in 16 countries, sales representatives in 47 countries and authorized service depots in more than 250 locations worldwide.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $32 billion global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

 

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Lockheed Martin’s Halifax Class Modernization Team Demonstrates Its Mature And Low-Risk Solution

OTTAWA, April 17th, 2008 -- The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] led Halifax Class Modernization (HCM) Team recently demonstrated its integrated combat management system at Canada’s largest defence-related trade show -- providing further evidence of its readiness to promptly deliver a fully-modernized combat system solution for the Canadian Navy’s multi-mission frigates.
“During CANSEC 2008, we demonstrated the maturity of our total solution to a variety of Lockheed Martin’s customers, including the Sailors who will eventually operate the modernized Halifax ships,” said Tom Digan, President of Lockheed Martin Canada. “Beyond our command and control system CanACCS-9LV -- which we and teammate Saab Systems first demonstrated to the Canadian Navy in January – we presented at CANSEC additional elements of our solution, including advanced consoles, ship integration modeling, and a modernized operations room. The demonstration and presentation are products of more than two-years of collaborative effort with our partner companies.”
Under the Halifax Class Modernization Program, the Canadian Navy’s Combat Systems Integrator contract calls for the installation and integration of upgraded command and control systems, radars, tactical data links, electronic support measures and other warfare capabilities. Currently in competition, the deadline for bid submission is June 9, 2008.
The Lockheed Martin Canada-led team also includes Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors, Saab Systems, xwave, IBM Canada, L-3 Electronics and CAE Professional Services. Team members are subject matter experts with relevant experience on the Halifax-class frigates and international navies.
“With the challenges of a demanding schedule to ensure the Navy remains fully operational during the refits, it is clear that our naval experience in Canada and internationally is critical to the success of the program,” said Digan. “We established our team early based on the technical and program management requirements identified by the Navy. Our team has been very stable and we have invested the time and resources necessary to lower the risks inherent in a complex combat system integration program.”
Lockheed Martin Canada has been a key supplier and partner to the Canadian Navy for more than 25 years, serving as the combat systems integrator for the frigate program since its inception, and with our partner xwave, as the in-service support provider for both the Halifax and Iroquois-class ships. The company also hosts the Canadian Navy’s combat systems integration lab at its facility in Montreal and employs teams in Esquimalt, BC, and Halifax, NS, to maintain and upgrade the combat systems, maintenance procedure trainers, and team trainers located there.
Lockheed Martin Canada is pursuing the Halifax Class Modernization program in partnership with Lockheed Martin’s Maritime Systems & Sensors business, which serves as the Combat Systems Integrator for all of the U.S. Navy’s Aegis cruisers and destroyers, and for six international navies. This major team partner has brought forward experience, proven systems engineering processes and resources to further reduce risk on the program.
Another partner, Saab Systems brings world-class command and control system experience, as well as extensive combat systems integrator and sensor expertise implemented in 15 navies worldwide -- including the Australian Anzac and Swedish Visby-class ships -- to the team. Partners IBM Canada, xwave, CAE Professional Services and L-3 Electronics Systems Canada provide “made in Canada” software applications and in-service support expertise that will address integrated logistics support, human factors engineering and other applications critical to the successful delivery of the Combat Systems Integrator program.
Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

 

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CH-146 Griffon

[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif] A $25.9M contract was awarded to L-3 Wescam Inc of Burlington, ON on 14 July 2008 to act as prime contractor for INGRESS. The contract includes supply of 19 Wescam MX-15 True HD electro-optical turrets and associated equipment.

Canadian Forces CH-146 Griffons utility helicopters are ‘militarized’ Bell Model 412EPs. These Mirabel- built aircraft use the standard Huey belly mounting points to attach various ‘mission kits’. One such kit consists of an E/O (Electro-Optical) turret mounted on an S-shaped, tubular arm. The E/O is a Wescam Model 16SS-A or AN/AAQ-501 bought specifically for the Griffons in 1997. The AAQ-501 is considered first-generation infared sensor technology. Modern, military E/O turrets combine IR with other imaging technologies – magnifying video, laser marking, etc.

Amongst other things, INGRESS – INteroperable Griffon Reconnaissance Escort Surveillance System – would replace the single-sensor AN/AAQ-501 with a multi- sensor E/O turret. This LOI Notice is also a Pricing and Availability (P&A) enquiry but much of the content is an attempt to clarify the terms of an earlier LOI Notice. The latter is in the form of a question-and-answer series for all potential suppliers.

Revealed in that Q&A is that laser target-marking will be part of the E/O suite and data collected will be both recorded onboard and transmitted to remote receivers. The new E/O turret will be a straight replacement for the AN/AAQ-501 using the same, portside mounting position (some Model 412 users – civilian and foreign military – permanently mount an E/O turret beneath the nose to free pylon space).

Night vision goggles are mentioned in the Q&A in reference to laser marking. The Griffon flight crew also wear NVGs (and a NiteSun searchlight can be mounted on the starboard pylon) so, the question might arise: why is an E/O turret necessary? Unlike NVGs, an IR imager remains effective in extremely low light conditions. The turret also has full 360° traverse while the flightcrew’s vision is rather more limited.

The INGRESS project grew out of the earlier I-BRUH Griffon or Interim Battlefield Reconnaissance and Utility Helicopter). INGRESS is to be operational by February 2009. If Griffons are to begin escort duties in Afghanistan this summer, they must continue to rely on their original-issue AN/AAQ-501 E/O turrets. Nor is there any evident connection between INGRESS and the recent ACAN for M134 MiniGuns.

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[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]Government of Canada Press Release - 14 July 2008

Government of Canada Invests in Equipment for the [Canadian] Forces,
Contract Awarded for [ CH-146 Griffon INGRESS ] Surveillance System

GATINEAU, Quebec, July 14, 2008 – The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada and Secretary of State (Agriculture), and the Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today announced the Government has awarded a contract to L-3 Wescam Inc., Burlington, Ontario, for an electro-optical and infrared sensor system to be installed on the CH-146 Griffon helicopter. This procure- ment has a value, including options, of $25.9 million, including G.S.T.

“This contract will provide the Canadian Forces with an excellent surveillance system, while ensuring best value for Canadian taxpayers,” said Minister Paradis.” The equip- ment procured through this project will enable the [CH-146] Griffon helicopter with the capability to provide escort and surveillance support to land operations.�

“The government is committed to providing the men and women of the Canadian Forces with the best equipment,” said Minister MacKay. “This system will ensure continued success on missions both in Canada and abroad, thereby safeguarding the rights and freedoms enjoyed by all Canadians.”

Known as the Interoperable Griffon Reconnaissance Escort Surveillance System (INGRESS), the project involves the procurement of a common electro-optical/infrared sensor system that can be installed on the CH-146 Griffon along with equipment that will allow for the operation of the sensor for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnais- sance (ISR) and [ transport helicopter and convoy ] Escort tasks.

A formal Request for Proposal (RFP) for INGRESS was issued on MERX, the govern- ment’s electronic tendering service [GETS], on April 16, 2008. The RFP closed on May 23, 2008. The evaluation of bids was concluded on June 2, 2008, in accordance with the plan detailed in the RFP to determine the winning bidder.[/FONT]

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 14, 2008 – L-3 WESCAM announced today that it has been awarded a contract valued at approximately $25 million by Public Works and Government Services Canada on behalf of the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND), to provide High Definition Imaging systems in support of the Interoperable Griffon Reconnaissance Escort Surveillance System (INGRESS) Project. System deliveries will begin in late 2008 and will be completed in the 2009 timeframe. Engineering, Installation and Airworthiness Certification support for the Canadian Forces Griffon Helicopter (CH-146) fleet will be completed by the CH-146 Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTCL).
“WESCAM with its Canadian team members are honoured to provide the INGRESS solution to support the Canadian missions at home and in theatre,” said Paul Jennison, L-3 WESCAM vice president, government sales and business development. “WESCAM has been providing IR imaging solutions to the Griffon dates since 1993. Our new solution will give the Canadian Forces the leading-edge imaging technology needed to strengthen their mission capabilities and elevate their overall situational awareness.”
WESCAM will provide equipment in two configurations to support the Canadian Forces in both ISR and Escort operations with real-time, long-range situational awareness. Equipment includes WESCAM’s MX-15 True HD stabilized EO/IR cameras along with digital HD recorders, HD displays, multi-functional moving map displays, tactical video downlinks and display consoles. These systems are comprised of the latest generation commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technology that will provide imagery and geo-spatial data in day, night and diverse environments - including urban, rural and desert. These sensor systems will be compliant to very stringent NATO ISR interoperability architecture standards, and be configured in roll-on roll-off integrated mission kits.
L-3 WESCAM is a world leader in the design and manufacture of stabilized, multi-spectral airborne imaging systems. To learn more about L-3 WESCAM, please visit the company’s Web site at www.wescam.com.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications employs over 64,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in aircraft modernization and maintenance, C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems and government services. L-3 is also a leading provider of high technology products, subsystems and systems. The company reported 2007 sales of $14 billion.
To learn more about L-3, please visit the company’s Web site at www.L-3Com.com.
Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release are forward-looking statements. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to events or conditions or that include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “will,” “could” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements set forth above involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any such statement, including the risks and uncertainties discussed in the company’s Safe Harbor Compliance Statement for Forward-looking Statements included in the company’s recent filings, including Forms 10-K and 10-Q, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

 

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According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency of the United States Government, the Canadian Government has requested a possible sale of a further thirty-seven (37) M777 155mm light-weight towed howitzers. The $114 million purchase would include spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, technical assistance, training (and related equipment), and logistics support.
In 2005, the M777 first came online with the United States Marine Corps, which in turn sold six guns to the Canadian Forces for the mission in Afghanistan. The 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery inaugurated the M777 for the Canadian Forces in December 2005. Due to the gun’s success in the Afghanistan operational theatre, the Canadian Forces acquired a further six.
The M777 requires a crew of five to operate, and with its 39 calibre barrel can launch projectiles from 24 km (M109 ammunition) to 40 km (Excalibur). At sustained fire, it can launch two rounds per minute (up to five rounds per minute in rapid fire).
If approved by the United States Congress, the prime contractors will be BAE Land Systems in Mississippi and Howmet Castings in Michigan.

 

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With its December 18, 2007, announcement that only a portion of the CP-140 Aurora fleet (10 of 18 aircraft will receive core structural work and upgrades) under the AIMP, the Department of National Defence laid the seeds for the future replacement for the long-range maritime patrol aircraft. According to national media sources, the favoured replacement for the Aurora is the Poseidon, currently entering into production for the United States Navy.
The P-3 Orion, from which the Aurora is derived, has also been the mainstay of the United States Navy’s maritime patrol aircraft, first entering into service with the USN in 1961. With the last USN production Orion coming off the line in 1990, the number of aircraft in the fleet has been dwindling. In 2000, the USN undertook a project to secure a replacement for its Orion fleet, and by 2004, Boeing had been awarded a contract (defeating its sole competitor, Lockheed, which had proposed an upgraded Orion – the Orion 21). The Boeing aircraft, known as the Poseidon, is a militarised derivative of its commercially successful 737-800 aircraft. The first aircraft is to be delivered to the USN in 2009, with an ultimate goal of 108 airframes in service.
The Poseidon is a multimission maritime aircraft that will conduct antisubmarine warfare, shipping interdiction, and electronic intelligence. Its bomb bay will have the capability to carry bombs, Mark 54 torpedoes, and depth charges, while Harpoon air-to-surface missiles can be installed on underwing hardpoints.
Should Canada invest in the platform, it is likely that the fitting out of the aircraft’s systems will focus on long-range maritime patrol, though it would retain an anti-submarine warfare capability. Such a focus would be similar to that currently in existence with the Aurora fleet, which is equipped with an electronic suite that provides exceptional surveillance capability, even though it was originally designed for ASW. Additionally, any Canadian variant of the Poseidon would be expected to perform in search and rescue and counter-drug functions.
Canada’s possible participation in the Poseidon programme is by no means recent news and it is not surprising that some sources have reported it as the preferred option of the Canadian Forces. In 2004, the United States government named Canada as a potential partner in the programme and it began formal discussions with Canada’s government in 2005. At the time, each potential international partner (others included Australia and Italy) was expected to contribute $300 million to have first-tier participation in the programme. Australia is the only named international partner to have formally voiced its preference for the Poseidon, having announced in July 2007 that it desires the platform to replace its own Orion fleet that is to retire by 2018.

 

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JTF-2 captured high taliban commander in Afghanistan, JTF-2 are now six years later after this picture considered by U.S president as the world class special forces.

Nearly six years after the conclusion of Joint Task Force 2’s mission with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-South (CJSOTF-South) of the United States military, the Government of Canada has authorised the acceptance of a Presidential Unit Citations for Canada’s elite special operations unit. The announcement was made in the August 2 (Part I) instalment of the Canada Gazette.
The Presidential Unit Citation, in this case granted by the Secretary of the Navy for the United States, is awarded to units within the United States military, as well as units of those nations operating alongside, that show “extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy.” To receive the citation, the unit must have displayed “such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions to have set it apart from and above other units participating in the same campaign.”
According to the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Forces believes that “extraordinary deeds … in extremely hazardous circumstances should be recognised,” and that it welcomes the Citation to Joint Task Force 2. The Citation was for a campaign in Afghanistan from October 17, 2001 to March 30, 2002 (the early months of the ongoing Afghanistan mission against the Taliban). The United States initially announced its intention to award the Citation to JTF2 in 2004.
The Presidential Unit Citation was last awarded to a Canadian military unit when, during the Korean War, the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry received a citation for its role in the Battle of Kapyong.

 

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(FRENCH ARTICLE)

Il en coûte entre 4 755 $ et 41 629 $ l'heure pour faire voler les avions et les hélicoptères du ministère de la Défense nationale (MDN).
Ces données émanent de documents et de tableaux budgétaires obtenus par Le Journal de Montréal en vertu de la Loi sur l'accès à l'information.

Ainsi, c'est sans surprise qu'on apprend que les chasseurs CF-18 sont les appareils les plus coûteux. Chaque heure de vol coûte en effet près de 42 000 $ en carburant, pièces de rechange, entretien, amortissement, soutien technique et équipage.

Les avions de surveillance stratégique terrestre et maritime Aurora viennent au second rang avec une facture de près de 33 000 $ l'heure. Suivent les vieux hélicoptères Sea King de la marine (30 000 $) et l'avion de transport de troupes Hercules (21 000 $).

PM et compagnie

Il est à noter que l'appareil Challenger utilisé par le premier ministre Stephen Harper, ses ministres et les hauts gradés des Forces ar mées brûle 13 647 $ par heure de vol. Cet appareil vient avec deux pilotes, un mécanicien et un agent de bord.

Ces estimations de coûts dont le Journal a obtenu copie sont produites par les escadrons de l'armée de l'air à des

fins budgétaires. «Elles permettent aux gestionnaires d'analyser les coûts de missions à venir et de comparer les options», explique le MDN au chapitre 3 du Manuel des coûts 2007-2008.

Cormoran

Il en coûte ainsi un peu plus de 19 000 $ l'heure pour les hélicoptères de recherche et sauvetage Cormorant. Avec le nouvel avion-cargo C-17 (dont les coûts par heure de vol ne sont pas encore disponibles), ces appareils sont les plus récents aéronefs canadiens.

Selon des documents émanant des bases de Gander et de Greenwood (deux des trois bases où sont installés ces appareils), les cinq Cormorant de l'escadron terre-neuvien ont effectué 796 sorties entre avril 2007 et avril 2008, et totalisé 1 503 heures de vol. Ces missions ont coûté 1 256 571,80 $ en carburant.

Au cours de la même période, les cinq appareils de la base de Greenwood, en Nouvelle-Écosse, ont effectué 481 sorties pour un total de 1 562,2 heures de vol. Ce rythme de travail représente une facture d'environ 818 445 $ en carburant.

Le ministère de la Défense nationale ne nous a pas transmis les statistiques des cinq Cormorant utilisés par l'escadron de Comox, en Colombie-Britannique.

Avec la collaboration de Jonathan Larochelle

COÛT PAR HEURE DE VOL

• CF-18 Hornet 41 629 $
• CP-140 Aurora 33 098 $
• CH-124 Sea King 30 072 $
• CC-130 Hercules 21 363 $
• CH-149 Cormoran 19 115 $
• CC-115 Buffalo 18 021 $
• CC-150 Polaris 17 417 $
• Challenger CC-144* 13 647 $
• CT-142 Dash-8 10 922 $
• CH-146 Griffon 10 088 $
• CC-138 Twin Otter 5 392 $
• CT-114 Tutor 4 755 $

* Cet appareil sert au transport de représentants gouvernementaux et d'officiers de haut rang des Forces canadiennes.

 

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CH-146 heavy armed for Kandahar!

Ottawa, Ontario – The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced that eight CH-146 Griffon helicopters will be deployed to Afghanistan in early 2009 as part of the Joint Task Force Afghanistan (JTFA) – Air Wing. The helicopters, with crews from 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron based in Edmonton, Alberta, will act as escort aircraft for the recently acquired CH-147 D Chinook helicopters. The deployment of the Griffon helicopters directly supports Canada’s commitment to meet the conditions set forth by the Independent Panel on Canada’s Future Role in Afghanistan.


“The deployment of the Griffons in conjunction with the Chinooks displays our commitment to the men and women of the Canadian Forces (CF) while ensuring the security and effectiveness of the mission,” said Minister MacKay. “We are proud of the work completed by all government departments to meet the February 2009 conditions established by the parliamentary motion.”


The Air Wing will be composed of CH-147 D Chinook medium - to heavy - lift helicopters, Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and CH-146 Griffon helicopters.


The transportation capability provided by the CH-147 D Chinook helicopters, the escort capabilities of the CH-146 Griffon helicopter and the intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance provided by the Heron UAV will contribute to the reduction of risk to Canadian troops and government employees from ambushes, land mines and improvised explosive devices. These assets will all be deployed to Afghanistan by February 2009.


This deployment is an important enabler to help Canada achieve the benchmarks it has set for the six priority areas and three signature projects that define its work in Afghanistan. Today, the Government also released its second quarterly report to Parliament, a detailed assessment of its progress in Afghanistan covering the period mid-June 2008 to the end of September.


“The safe employment of Chinook helicopters requires the use of escort aircraft. Today’s announcement fulfills the final requirements of the Air Wing,” said Lieutenant General Angus Watt, Chief of the Air Staff. “The mounting of this unit and these new CF capabilities in such a short time represents a significant accomplishment by the dedicated and professional men and women of the CF.”


The Griffons directly support the new air capabilities which were conditions set out in the Parliamentary motion of March 13, 2008 extending Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan until 2011. These air resources were one of the recommendations of the Independent Panel on Canada’s Future Role in Afghanistan, headed by the Honourable John Manley.

 

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Canada Increases Helicopter Capabilities in Afghanistan

Canada Increases Helicopter Capabilities in Afghanistan


NR - 08.086 - November 26, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario – The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced that eight CH-146 Griffon helicopters will be deployed to Afghanistan in early 2009 as part of the Joint Task Force Afghanistan (JTFA) – Air Wing. The helicopters, with crews from 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron based in Edmonton, Alberta, will act as escort aircraft for the recently acquired CH-147 D Chinook helicopters. The deployment of the Griffon helicopters directly supports Canada’s commitment to meet the conditions set forth by the Independent Panel on Canada’s Future Role in Afghanistan.
“The deployment of the Griffons in conjunction with the Chinooks displays our commitment to the men and women of the Canadian Forces (CF) while ensuring the security and effectiveness of the mission,” said Minister MacKay. “We are proud of the work completed by all government departments to meet the February 2009 conditions established by the parliamentary motion.”
The Air Wing will be composed of CH-147 D Chinook medium - to heavy - lift helicopters, Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and CH-146 Griffon helicopters.
The transportation capability provided by the CH-147 D Chinook helicopters, the escort capabilities of the CH-146 Griffon helicopter and the intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance provided by the Heron UAV will contribute to the reduction of risk to Canadian troops and government employees from ambushes, land mines and improvised explosive devices. These assets will all be deployed to Afghanistan by February 2009.
This deployment is an important enabler to help Canada achieve the benchmarks it has set for the six priority areas and three signature projects that define its work in Afghanistan. Today, the Government also released its second quarterly report to Parliament, a detailed assessment of its progress in Afghanistan covering the period mid-June 2008 to the end of September.
“The safe employment of Chinook helicopters requires the use of escort aircraft. Today’s announcement fulfills the final requirements of the Air Wing,” said Lieutenant General Angus Watt, Chief of the Air Staff. “The mounting of this unit and these new CF capabilities in such a short time represents a significant accomplishment by the dedicated and professional men and women of the CF.”
The Griffons directly support the new air capabilities which were conditions set out in the Parliamentary motion of March 13, 2008 extending Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan until 2011. These air resources were one of the recommendations of the Independent Panel on Canada’s Future Role in Afghanistan, headed by the Honourable John Manley.


Link
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=2813

 

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On 26 Nov 2008, MND Peter MacKay announced that 8 INGRESS Griffons will be sent to Kandahar in early 2009. Plans to deploy first emerged in mid-Dec 2007. At that time, it was reported that six CH-146s would go to Kandahar with Roto 5. The Griffon missions were to begin in summer 2008. Now, the M134 Mini-gun-armed INGRESS Griffon operations will likely commence in February or March 2009.

November 2008: the CH-148 Cyclone prototype has flown. In September, MND Peter MacKay claimed first delivery for CH-148s in mid-2010 (10 months sooner than the predicted delay). However, this will come with a hefty price - contrary to Michael Fortier's statement.

On 05 June 2006, the Harper government issued an Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN) to single-source 16 Boeing CH-47s.
[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1]

Boeing Model 234 / CH-46D Chinook — Specifications [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] Length (overall):[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] 15.45m (fuselage), 30.1m (rotors turning)[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] Dimensions:[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] 6.87m max. height, 5.77m shipping height[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] Rotor diameters:[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] 18.29m (each rotor)[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] Cabin/hold size:[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] 9.20m L x 2.26m W x 1.95m H, 45.8 cu m [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] Weights:[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] empty 10185kg, max 22680kg, 12700kg hoist[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] Performance:[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] speed 295km/h, range 425km (ferry 2060km)[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] Powerplant:[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] 2 x 2796 kW (3750shp) T55-L712 turboshafts[/SIZE][/FONT]

On 30 July 2008, MND Peter MacKay announced DND’s intention to lease Mi-8 helicopters for use in Afghanistan (Canada’s part in a larger NATO helicopter lease effort). On 07 Aug., it was confirmed that Toronto-based Skylink Aviation had received a $36M contract.

[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1]Mil (Kazan Helicopters) Mi-17 (V5) Hip - H – Specifications [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] Dimensions:
[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] Length: 18.4m (fuselage), [4] 25.31m (main
rotor turning), width: 2.5m, height: 5.7m[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] Rotor diameter:[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] 21.29m (main rotor), 3.9m (tail rotor)[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] Cabin size:[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] 5.34m L x 2.34m W x 1.8m H, volume: 23 m3[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] Weights:[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] max internal load: 4000kg, hoist: 5000kg [5][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] Performance:[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] cruise 230 km/h, max 300 km/h, range 715 km[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] Powerplant:

[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif][SIZE=-1] 2 x Motor Sich (Isotov/Klimov) TV3-117 VM
turboshaft engines, take-off power: 1490 kW
(2000 shp), emerg. rating: 1640 kW (2200shp)[/SIZE][/FONT]
31 March 2008 – CP reports that four more Polish Mi-17s may be available to Canadian Forces at KAF on “a contribution basis”.

 

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Public Works and Government Services Canada
SOURCE

Nov 26, 2008 10:14 ET
Government of Canada Contract Will Help Support Canadian Forces Armoured Vehicle Fleet


GATINEAU, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Nov. 26, 2008 - The Minister of Public Works and Government Services, the Honourable Christian Paradis, and the Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, the Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, today announced that the Government of Canada awarded a contract to EODC Engineering, Developing and Licencing Inc. of Ottawa for Add-on-Armour kits, modules and spares for its LAV III vehicles.

LAV III vehicles are state-of-the-art combat vehicles that are used to transport infantry on the battlefield while providing defensive protection and firepower.

"The Government of Canada is committed to the Canadian Forces," said Minister Paradis. "Our government is proud to use Canadian companies to procure the finest tools for our Canadian Forces."

"Our Government's policy is to provide the best possible equipment for the men and women of the Canadian Forces," said Minister MacKay. "The added armour on the LAV III will allow our Forces to conduct their duties in a safer vehicle."

The contract, with an estimated value of approximately $68 million, includes kits, modules, and spares for the supplemental armour for the LAV III vehicles, as well as the repair and overhaul of their current modules and kits.

An additional contract an estimated value of $13.5 million was also awarded to EODC to provide an Improvised Explosive Device Protection Kit for the protection of the LAV III Vehicles. EODC is the only Canadian company that could provide this kit, as it owns the intellectual property rights.

Ce texte est egalement disponible en francais.

PWGSC news releases are also available on our Internet site at:
http://www.pwgsc.gc.ca/text/generic/media-e.html

BACKGROUNDER

The Government of Canada awarded a two-year contract with two one-year options to EODC Engineering, Developing and Licencing Inc. of Ottawa for Add-on-Armour kits, modules and spares for its LAV III vehicles.

LAV III vehicles are state-of-the-art combat vehicles that are used to transport infantry on the battlefield while providing defensive protection and firepower.

DND has a requirement for supplemental armour kits and modules for its LAV III vehicles to improve protection for soldiers. These kits and modules will improve operational survivability.

As there were only two qualified suppliers in Canada, a Request for Proposal was directed in May 2008 to both these companies. After thoroughly evaluating the two industry proposals, PWGSC determined that EODC, which had the lower bid, would also provide best value for Canadian taxpayers.

The EODC contract is valued at approximately $68 million and includes supplemental armour kits, modules and spares for its LAV III vehicles, as well as the repair and overhaul of its current modules and kits.

An additional sole-source contract with an estimated value of $13.5 million was also awarded to EODC for an Improvised Explosive Device Protection kit (IEDPK) for the LAV IIIs.

The supplemental armour and the IEDPK will help to protect the men and women of the Canadian Forces for their missions.


For more information, please contact
Public Works and Government Services Canada
Office of the Honourable Christian Paradis
Mary-Ann Dewey-Plante
Press Secretary
819-956-5325 or Mobile: 613-218-6961
Mary-Ann.Dewey-Plante@pwgsc.gc.ca

or

Office of Minister MacKay
Jay Paxton
Press Secretary
613-996-3100

or

Public Works and Government Services Canada
Media Relations
819-956-2315

or

Department of National Defence
Media Liaison Office
613-996-2353/2354

Click here to see all recent news from this company EODC is a subsidiary of IBD Deisenroth Engineering of Bonn, Germany.

EODC and the parent company specialize in the development, production and post-delivery service of advanced materials and technologies associated with add-on armour, IED protection kits, mine protection kits, and Active Defence Systems (ADS) for military tracked and wheeled heavy, medium and light vehicles. The company’s primary products are the Modular Expandable Armour System/MEXAS (installed on some 15,000 vehicles worldwide) and the Advanced Modular Armour Protection (AMAP). The systems include custom-fitted appliqué armour plates and mine kits that can be integrated into the basic vehicle design or mounted rapidly to meet specific threats including kinetic and chemical energy projectiles and mines. EODC’s office in Ottawa is equipped with a state-of-the-art machine shop and manufacturing and repair equipment for the production of light, cost-effective composite and metal add-on armour modules for vehicles and ancillary systems. EODC is the exclusive representative of IBD technology in Canada. EODC has participated in the Canadian Forces Leopard C2 Upgrade Project, the US Army BCT program, and the provision of add-on armour and IED Protection Kits (IED PK) for the Canadian LAV fleets. The company has also provided repair and overhaul and Mine Protection Kits (MPK) for the Leopard C2 Tank fleet.

Source

 

[factanonverba]

November 25, 2008

The Honourable James Flaherty, P.C., M.P.
L’Esplanade Laurier, East Tower, 21st Floor
140 O’Connor Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G5


Dear Mr. Flaherty,


In response to your request today in Question Period for opposition members to provide suggestions on how the government can save money and create jobs, I have a guaranteed way for you to accomplish both goals.


The Department of National Defence (DND) wants to have one of its submarines, HMCS Chicoutimi moved from Halifax, N.S to Esquimalt, B.C., and DND also wants to have the fire-related damage to this submarine repaired. There are two ways to accomplish these two goals, but one costs millions of dollars more than the other. The Department of National Defence is planning to use the more expensive method, with no benefit to the taxpayer.


The first way to accomplish both goals is to load the Chicoutimi on a specialized “Panamax Heavy Lift” transport ship and move it to Esquimalt. There it will be unloaded and docked, and then the fire damage will be repaired. The DND report outlining this plan projects that total transportation costs under this method will be as high as $16.84 million dollars.


The second option is to fix the fire damage in Halifax, as this was the plan in the first place, and then sail the Chicoutimi to Esquimalt under her own power. Another DND report indicates that the total transportation costs of the submarine travelling under its own power will be a little more than half a million dollars to sail it to Esquimalt.


Both methods have the same result….the sub is in Esquimalt and the fire damage is repaired. The only difference is that the transportation costs of one method are twenty five times more than the other.


The DND plan is to transport the Chicoutimi by "Panamax Heavy Lift Vessel" sometime between November 2008 and March 2009. The plan estimates the cost to place the Chicoutimi on a foreign “Heavy Lift Vessel" and then transport the sub to Esquimalt will be as high as $9.94 million US dollars.


In addition, the report estimates the cost to ship the remaining parts and equipment is $1.5 million, and to relocate the sub on the dock following its arrival in Esquimalt is $1.9 million.


The total cost to move the sub and parts to Esquimalt is estimated at 13.34 million US dollars, or 16.89 million Canadian dollars at today’s exchange rates.


Even at this price, the DND report indicates that the estimates as high as $9.94 million are “non-inclusive” and that “additional fees as yet non-disclosed” will be added. The current DND estimates do not include the cost of the 18 military personnel listed in the report who will be required to relocate from Halifax to support the move.


The DND plan indicates that the submarine will lie dormant at the dock in Esquimalt until 2010. My proposal to do the work now will simply move that project and the related jobs forward. Again, this achieves both of your goals of saving millions in transport costs, and creating much needed work now.


The “stores and equipment” for HMCS Chicoutimi are also currently warehoused in a hanger at Shearwater and at a building in Dartmouth. The report states that the parts will be assembled and then shipped in a different ship at “approximately the same time” as the Chicoutimi heads for the West Coast. The report indicates that there has been no identified warehousing found to store the components as yet in Esquimalt. Finding appropriate and secure warehousing could increase costs again. However, if the sub is repaired in Halifax under the second proposal, there will be no charge for transporting the remaining parts because they will now be installed on the submarine, and will travel free.


It makes no sense to spend $16 million dollars more than necessary to achieve the same result.


Please give this cost-saving job-creating suggestion serious consideration. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
Bill Casey, M.P.
Opposition Member of Parliament

 

[factanonverba]

CANADIAN MILITARY WATCHES CLOSELY AS THE U.S. MOVES ON HUMVEE REPLACEMENT


The U.S. Army announced Wednesday the selection of three technology development contracts for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) family of vehicles.

I’m told the Canadian Army is closely monitoring this unfolding procurement south of the border but we’ll have to wait and see whether it piggybacks on the program at a later date, or just receives test data that could be used to work out its own requirements for future vehicles.

As the central component of the Army's and Marine Corps' tactical wheeled vehicle strategy, JLTV is supposed to provide “balance of performance, payload, and protection with increased transportability and expeditionary mobility over current tactical vehicle systems,” according to the Army.

The JLTV is to replace the current fleet of High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV or Humvee).

The three companies awarded contracts under the JLTV competition process are BAE Systems Land & Armament Systems - Ground Systems Division; Santa Clara, CA; General Tactical Vehicles (A Joint Venture of General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc. and AM General, LLC); Sterling Heights, MI; and Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego; Owego, NY.

JLTV is a joint U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) program with the Army designated as the lead service.

During the 27-month technology development phase, the vehicles and associated equipment will undergo a series of performance and reliability testing, which will include assessments from the troops.

The development contracts alone are worth about $40 million U.S. each.

During the demonstration phase, for instance, the BAE Systems-Navistar team will submit seven prototype vehicles and four trailers for evaluation and testing by the Army.

The BAE Systems-Navistar JLTV proposal is named the Valanx. Valanx is a family of v-hulled, blast-resistant vehicles that optimize what's referred to as the "iron triangle" – payload, protection and performance – to meet all requirements of the JLTV program, according to information provided by the company. There are several variations of the Valanx designed to meet scouting, general mobility, infantry carrying, ambulatory and other needs for combat troops.

BAE says vehicle models for the various Valanx variations will be designed and fabricated during 2009 and tested in 2010, leading to the selection of two teams for a JLTV system development and demonstration in 2011.

 

[factanonverba]

Canada, U.S. agree to use each other's troops in civil emergencies


David Pugliese , Canwest News Service

Published: Friday, February 22, 2008
Canada and the U.S. have signed an agreement that paves the way for the militaries from either nation to send troops across each other's borders during an emergency, but some are questioning why the Harper government has kept silent on the deal.
Neither the Canadian government nor the Canadian Forces announced the new agreement, which was signed Feb. 14 in Texas.
The U.S. military's Northern Command, however, publicized the agreement with a statement outlining how its top officer, Gen. Gene Renuart, and Canadian Lt.-Gen. Marc Dumais, head of Canada Command, signed the plan, which allows the military from one nation to support the armed forces of the other nation during a civil emergency.


The new agreement has been greeted with suspicion by the left wing in Canada and the right wing in the U.S.
The left-leaning Council of Canadians, which is campaigning against what it calls the increasing integration of the U.S. and Canadian militaries, is raising concerns about the deal.
"It's kind of a trend when it comes to issues of Canada-U.S. relations and contentious issues like military integration. We see that this government is reluctant to disclose information to Canadians that is readily available on American and Mexican websites," said Stuart Trew, a researcher with the Council of Canadians.
Trew said there is potential for the agreement to militarize civilian responses to emergency incidents. He noted that work is also underway for the two nations to put in place a joint plan to protect common infrastructure such as roadways and oil pipelines.
"Are we going to see (U.S.) troops on our soil for minor potential threats to a pipeline or a road?" he asked.
Trew also noted the U.S. military does not allow its soldiers to operate under foreign command so there are questions about who controls American forces if they are requested for service in Canada. "We don't know the answers because the government doesn't want to even announce the plan," he said.
But Canada Command spokesman Commander David Scanlon said it will be up to civilian authorities in both countries on whether military assistance is requested or even used.
He said the agreement is "benign" and simply sets the stage for military-to-military co-operation if the governments approve.
"But there's no agreement to allow troops to come in," he said. "It facilitates planning and co-ordination between the two militaries. The 'allow' piece is entirely up to the two governments."
If U.S. forces were to come into Canada they would be under tactical control of the Canadian Forces but still under the command of the U.S. military, Scanlon added.
News of the deal, and the allegation it was kept secret in Canada, is already making the rounds on left-wing blogs and Internet sites as an example of the dangers of the growing integration between the two militaries.
On right-wing blogs in the U.S. it is being used as evidence of a plan for a "North American union" where foreign troops, not bound by U.S. laws, could be used by the American federal government to override local authorities.
"Co-operative militaries on Home Soil!" notes one website. "The next time your town has a 'national emergency,' don't be surprised if Canadian soldiers respond. And remember - Canadian military aren't bound by posse comitatus."
Posse comitatus is a U.S. law that prohibits the use of federal troops from conducting law enforcement duties on domestic soil unless approved by Congress.
Scanlon said there was no intent to keep the agreement secret on the Canadian side of the border. He noted it will be reported on in the Canadian Forces newspaper next week and that publication will be put on the Internet.
Scanlon said the actual agreement hasn't been released to the public as that requires approval from both nations. That decision has not yet been taken, he added.


© Ottawa Citizen 2008

 

[factanonverba]

First CC-130J-30 for 2010

THIS JUST IN FROM SOURCES:

CANADA HAS NOW SIGNED A CONTRACT FOR EARLY DELIVERY OF THE C-130J. One aircraft will come in June 2010 and the other in July 2010.
No word yet on when the "official" DND/Public Works press release will be issued on this.

I wrote on the early delivery of C-130J (or lack of) last week. The U.S. Air Force had agreed to the early delivery months ago but Canada had still not acted on the offer. When I asked DND about this I received the usual robotic response email from the Defence Department’s procurement branch, that the Canadian Forces is “currently investigating options to expedite the delivery of the first aircraft.”

So now it’s a signed deal. But when will this officially be announced? Your guess is as good as mine. I’m told that other equipment contracts are or having been signed but neither DND or Public Works are making these public

Canada originally signed a contract with Lockheed Martin in December 2007 for the 17 C-130Js, with the first aircraft to be delivered by December 2010.

Previously, Canadian Forces officers warned that up to 14 of Canada’s C-130s may be grounded early because of wear. The aircraft were scheduled to be withdrawn from service in 2010.

Gen. Walter Natynczyk, the chief of the defence staff, recently said the Canadian Forces is “counting down” on the delivery of the C-130Js. The new aircraft are needed as soon as possible since the current fleet of Hercules is being used to the maximum, he added.

 

[factanonverba]

EADS-CASA, one of the firms pursuing the Canadian Forces fixed wing search and rescue contract (expected 2012-2015) has announced further sales of the CN-235 to the U.S. Coast Guard. The firm is offering Canada the slightly larger C-295 for the FWSAR.

The CN-235, designated by the USCG as HC144A Ocean Sentry, comes closest to a Buffalo in size and flying characteristics (mountain flying, STOL etc). Interestingly, the U.S. Coast Guard opted for the CN-235 as they have the C130J flying long range missions.

As Canada now has C130J coming in as well a similar combination, CN-235s for West Coast and North and C130Js for Central and East Coast SAR, is not completely far-fetched, according to those close to the company.


Here's the press release from the company on the U.S. Coast Guard purchase:
THREE MORE HC-144A OCEAN SENTRY AIRCRAFT ACQUIRED BY THE U.S. COAST GUARD

The U.S. Coast Guard has ordered three more EADS CASA HC-144A Ocean Sentry aircraft, expanding its acquisition of the CN-235-based airlifter to be used in a full range of search & rescue and maritime missions.

This purchase brings total HC-144A acquisitions to 11, with the Coast Guard expecting to build up a fleet of 36 fully missionized aircraft by 2020. Delivery dates for the latest-ordered Ocean Sentries are in April, August and November 2010, respectively.

The Coast Guard is preparing for the HC-144A’s Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in early 2009, and will base the initial operational unit at Mobile, Alabama.

To date, EADS CASA has delivered six Ocean Sentry aircraft, with the most recent acceptance of an HC-144A occurring on November 5 – which was early, and within the negotiated price.

The HC-144A’s acquisition is part of the Coast Guard’s Deepwater Major Acquisition Program, with these aircraft replacing the service’s aging fleet of HU-25 Falcon jets. Derived from EADS CASA’s C-295/CN-235 family of tactical airlifters, the Ocean Sentry will significantly enhance Coast Guard aircrews’ mission execution capability.

These twin-engine turboprop aircraft will perform various missions in Coast Guard service, including maritime patrol, law enforcement, search and rescue, disaster response, as well as cargo and personnel transport.

The aircraft has an integrated surface search radar, an electro-optical/infrared system, an Automatic Identification System for vessels, direction-finding equipment, and electronic surveillance measures. The Ocean Sentry’s hydraulic-operated rear ramp provides added operational capability, and enables the aircraft to accept a fully-equipped roll-on/roll-off mission system pallet

 

[factanonverba]

OSI Geospatial Inc. of Ottawa has announced that its International Systems Operations has signed contracts totaling approximately $1.1 million with the Canadian Navy. Under the terms of these contracts, OSI will deliver its ACT small boat command, control and information systems (‘C2IS’) to support port security and maritime interdiction operations. The systems have been delivered and will be installed in shore based facilities and on small patrol boats over the next few months.

“We are pleased to have the Canadian Navy as our first customer to embrace our advanced small boat command, control and information system,” said Ken Kirkpatrick president and CEO of OSI Geospatial. “The majority of our customers have been conducting operational trials of this new technology and feedback has been very positive. We believe that we can build on this success to develop future business for the company.”

The ACT system is a complete command, control and information solution that includes the provision of secure transmission of mission critical information between small patrol vessels, mother ships, air borne assets and land based facilities. It is designed to provide military and security operations the ability to track and analyze a wide range of assets and ensure close command and control of these assets in demanding and fast paced situations.

The system addresses the unique demands of Maritime Interdiction and Port Security Operations. These demands include the requirement of real-time situational awareness for the protection of critical assets.

The ACT system with OSI’s ECPINS software at its core can be installed as a stand-alone system or integrated into an existing ECPINS installation. The company has installed or been contracted to install ECPINS systems on more than 300 warships worldwide.

OSI Geospatial Inc. delivers advanced geospatial systems and software that enable shared real-time situational awareness for military, safety and security applications. Its products and services enable our customers to integrate and visualize live data with any combination of sensor data, imagery, maps and charts. This capability provides its customers with enhanced operational performance, safety and security through shared real-time situational awareness.

(taken from an OSI release)

OSI Geospatial Signs Contracts Valued at US$1.1 Million with Canadian Navy to Enhance Port Security Operations
Ottawa, Canada-OSI Geospatial Inc. (TSX: OSI) announced today that its International Systems Operations has signed contracts totaling approximately $1.1 million with the Canadian Navy. Under the terms of these contracts, OSI will deliver its ACT small boat command, control and information systems (‘C2IS’) to support port security and maritime interdiction operations. The systems have been delivered and will be installed in shore based facilities and on small patrol boats over the next few months.
“We are pleased to have the Canadian Navy as our first customer to embrace our advanced small boat command, control and information system,” said Ken Kirkpatrick president and CEO of OSI Geospatial. “The majority of our customers have been conducting operational trials of this new technology and feedback has been very positive. We believe that we can build on this success to develop future business for the company .”
The ACT system is a complete command, control and information solution that includes the provision of secure transmission of mission critical information between small patrol vessels, mother ships, air borne assets and land based facilities. It is designed to provide military and security operations the ability to track and analyze a wide range of assets and ensure close command and control of these assets in demanding and fast paced situations. The system addresses the unique demands of Maritime Interdiction and Port Security Operations. These demands include the requirement of real-time situational awareness for the protection of critical assets.
The ACT system with our world leading ECPINS ® software at its core can be installed as a stand-alone system or integrated into an existing ECPINS ® installation. The company has installed or been contracted to install ECPINS ® systems on more than 300 warships worldwide.
About OSI Geospatial
OSI Geospatial Inc. delivers advanced geospatial systems and software that enable shared real-time situational awareness for military and security applications. Our products and services enable our customers to integrate and visualize live data with any combination of sensor data, imagery, maps and charts. This capability provides our customers with enhanced operational performance, safety and security through shared real-time situational awareness. OSI Geospatial systems and software are in use by military, government, and commercial customers around the world. The company is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (OSI). For additional information please visit www.osigeospatial.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements and information which reflect the current view of OSI Geospatial Inc (“OSI”) with respect to future events and financial performance. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and OSI’s actual results of operations could differ materially from historical results or current expectations. Additional information on these and other potential factors that could affect OSI’s financial results are detailed in disclosure documents filed from time to time with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities.
The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the form or content of this release.
Copyright © 2008 OSI Geospatial Inc. and its affiliated or related companies. ECPINS and COP-IDS are registered trademarks of Offshore Systems Ltd., an OSI Geospatial company. IGEN and C3CORE are registered trademarks of CHI Systems Inc., an OSI Geospatial company. Other company brand, product and service names are for identification purposes only and may be either trademarks, service marks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Data subject to change without notice

 

[factanonverba]

More from the Canadian simulation firm NGRAIN, this time regarding JSF.

NGRAIN announced that Lockheed Martin has released the NGRAIN-developed Visual Damage and Repair Tracking software to be deployed with the F-35 Lightning II Autonomic Logistics Information Systems (ALIS) software suite. ALIS provides a suite of software to support maintenance, supply and training operations for F-35 Lightning II (JSF) aircraft technicians worldwide. The software will be delivered to test sites with F-35 aircraft in 2009.

The NGRAIN software, selected by Lockheed Martin in February this year, will be used by aircraft maintainers on the flight line to document aircraft exterior damage inspection findings and aircraft exterior repairs. The software will be delivered on portable, ruggedized Panasonic Toughbook computers. F-35 maintainers will use NGRAIN’s intuitive 3-D visualization software to streamline and support accurate capture of aircraft exterior damage and repair details.

“Any time we can help reduce operational timelines and increase the accurate capture of information for our customers, we are thrilled,” said Paul Lindahl, CEO, NGRAIN. “NGRAIN’s solution will help JSF customers efficiently maintain the aircraft, maximizing mission capability. The software was developed solely in North America, so customers can also look forward to certification for security sensitive projects.”

Streamlining workflow, NGRAIN’s Visual Damage and Repair Tracking software enables F-35 maintainers to accurately capture, store, and track aircraft exterior damage and repair details by drawing directly onto a 3-D model of the aircraft. Traditional methods of capturing and tracking aircraft exterior damages are often time consuming and cumbersome. This detailed information is used by other software applications within ALIS to assess whether or not damages adversely impact aircraft mission capability and which damages need to be repaired to restore aircraft to mission capability.

About the Joint Strike Fighter Program: The F-35 is a supersonic, multi-role, 5th generation stealth fighter. Three F-35 variants derived from a common design, developed together and using the same sustainment infrastructure worldwide will replace at least 13 types of aircraft for 11 nations initially, making the Lightning II the most cost-effective fighter program in history. The JSF program is the largest defense acquisition program to date with a total projected value of more than $276-billion USD and is supported by nine participant countries. Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Two separate, interchangeable F-35 engines are under development: the Pratt Whitney F135 and the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team F136.



About NGRAIN

Sixty-five cents of every dollar spent on a piece of equipment is spent on sustainment. NGRAIN enables organizations to dramatically reduce these costs by maximizing the effectiveness of equipment training programs and maintenance support systems with interactive 3D equipment simulations. With NGRAIN’s breakthrough 3D simulation capabilities, customers have been able to accelerate the communication of knowledge by 60%, and improve operational efficiency by 30%.


NGRAIN makes 3D attainable. With NGRAIN, Subject Matter Experts can easily produce, integrate, and distribute 3D simulations, delivering unparalleled real-time 3D interactivity over the web to everyday desktop, laptop, and tablet computers. NGRAIN makes it possible for organizations to transform how they share information, making complex ideas simpler and more accessible to all.


NGRAIN delivers solutions to a host of industries worldwide, including Aerospace Defense, Energy, and Technology. With its proven, award-winning solutions, NGRAIN has proved to be one of the most trusted names in the realm of 3D technology. NGRAIN’s customer base includes all branches of the United States and Canadian militaries, Lockheed Martin, Standard Aero, CAE and other industry leaders.

 

[factanonverba]

First C-130J-30

On Dec. 3 I reported on my blog here that DND had reached a deal for the early delivery of two C-130Js. I had put in a call to DND a few days before to get information on what sources had told me about.....of course there was no official response (DND now takes between 3 days to five months to answer questions from journalists....if they do at all).

So today (drum roll please) DND has finally decided to confirm that yes it is taking early delivery of 2 C-130Js. Here is the emailed response from the public affairs shop of Assistant Deputy Minister of Materiel Dan Ross (no other information was offered and as usual no subject matter expert is allowed to speak on this matter):

"Please find below the response to your query on the early delivery of two C-130J aircraft.

Q1. Reporter claims that early delivery for two C-130J aircraft, will be in advance of the planned scheduled winter 2010. Reporter wants DND's comment on this issue

- In June 2010, the Canadian Forces will be welcoming two new C-130J Hercules tactical aircraft into their fleet. This is six months ahead of schedule.
- This new delivery date is possible thanks to an agreement with the United States government to allow two of the CF's C-130J aircraft to be delivered early. Canada amended its contract with the equipment manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, in November 2008, to accept the offer.
- The remaining 15 aircraft will be delivered starting in December 2010, as per the original contract.
- We would like to thank the United States government and Lockheed Martin for their cooperation in affording us this opportunity to streamline the C-130J delivery process, and supporting this government's efforts in getting our Canadian Forces' men and women the aircraft they need andCanadians the results and value they deserve.
-Renewal of the tactical airlift fleet is a priority for the Government of Canada. These acquisitions are part of the Canada First Defence Strategy to continue the modernization and the strengthening of our military, which will enable our troops to conduct safer and more effective operations, at home and abroad."

 

[factanonverba]

The federal cabinet will be asked early in the new year to give its blessing to spend $3 billion to replace Canada's geriatric fleet of search-and-rescue planes, the Canadian Press has learned.
Defence Minister Peter MacKay said a proposal to replace the 40-year-old CC-115 Buffalos is on his desk and ready to be presented.
"I hope to move very early in the new year toward procurement," he said in an interview Friday.
The pitch to cabinet comes at a time of economic crisis, with a collapsing domestic auto sector, a possible recession and a looming federal deficit.
Regardless, MacKay said he believes he can make the case to replace the half-dozen aircraft, operated by the Canadian air force.
"It's a critical component of Canada's home guard [and] we need to have these aircraft," he said.

The twin-engine Buffalos, which were ordered replaced five years ago by the Liberal government of Paul Martin, have become increasingly difficult to maintain because the manufacturer stopped production of the aircraft in 1986.
At one point, air force planners were looking to buy retired Brazilian CC-115s to cannibalize them for parts.
This year, plans were set in place to keep the six Buffalos in the air until 2015 if necessary, but the head of the air force said he's confident it won't take that long to get replacements.
"Earlier is always better with old airplanes," Lt.-Gen. Angus Watt said.
He insisted, however, that the Buffalos are safe and will continue with their duties, including operations along the West Coast where their slow speed makes them ideal for searching mountain ranges.
"People worry about aircraft life expectancy," Watt said. "They sort of have these dates, these lines in the sand and worry that the aircraft is going to fall off the edge of the Earth on that date. As long as I continue to put money into them, they can be flown safely and effectively."

The purchase of 15 new aircraft is expected to cost around $1.5 billion, with an additional $1.5 billion tacked on for a 20-year in-service support contract, defence officials said.
The price tag is $200 million higher than when the project was conceived under the former Liberal government in late 2003.
MacKay defended the five-year delay, saying the Defence Department wanted to get the procurement right. Last year, MacKay's predecessor, Gordon O'Connor, and the then chief of defence staff, Gen. Rick Hillier, suggested the skyrocketing cost of the war in Afghanistan was also a factor in the delay.
The initial procurement, which was shelved in early 2007, was halted at the pre-definition phase among fierce competition between two European-based aerospace giants.
Italian aircraft maker Aleina, with its C-27J Spartan, has quietly lobbied the federal government and appeared to hold a slight advantage over the Spanish EADS-CASA C-295.
Watt denied there was — or will be — any favouritism.
"We don't have a clear aircraft in mind. It would depend what manufacturers bring to us," the chief of air staff said.
Opposition critics have said the unacceptable delay in replacing the search-and-rescue plane has made a mockery the Conservative government's "Canada First" defence strategy.
The Tories came to office in 2006 promising to rebuild the Canadian Forces and laid out as much $20 billion for heavy-lift aircraft, helicopters and tanks.
The air force relies on both the Buffalo and an aging fleet of C-130 Hercules cargo planes for fixed-wing search.