New opportunity for Canadian students to build and launch their own satellites

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  January 4, 2019 | Local, Aerospace

  AETE must move to make room for new fighters says commanding officer

  Kelly-Anne Riess ADJUSTCOMMENTPRINT Moving the Canadian military's Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment out of Cold Lake to Ottawa is the only way 4 Wing can grow to accommodate new fighters, says AETE commanding officer Col. Eric Grandmont, referring to feasibility studies conducted by the Air Force. He said the loss of AETE will be offset by a gain for 4 Wing. “We are planning ahead for the long-term future of Canada's fighters,” he said. “The RCAF is committed to Cold Lake and Bagotville as our fighter bases, and there will be significant investment in these areas to prepare for the arrival of the future fighters.” The new aircraft will require an expansion of 4 Wing. Facilities will need to be updated and the current AETE building, which is the newest and second largest hanger on the base, will need to be repurposed. Canada is currently in the process of purchasing 25 used fighter aircraft from Australia and buying another 88 new jets to replace the existing fleet of CF-18s. The costs for relocating AETE are included in the $470 million the Liberal government has set aside for buying the used Australian F-18 fighter jets. Grandmont said he is hoping the transition plan for AETE will be approved by this spring. The move, which would not take place before the summer of 2021, could affect one-third of AETE, which employs 166 military personnel and 22 public servants. The remainder would be reassigned elsewhere in the air force, either in Cold Lake or other military bases. “We are trying to minimize the impact on the city,” said Grandmont, adding the current plan is to stagger his staff's moves to Ottawa. He said some of the positions in question are currently vacant and, if filled, those employees would start their jobs immediately in the nation's capital instead of coming to Cold Lake in the interim. Also, some public servants currently working for AETE in Cold Lake are close to retirement and would likely choose to end their careers and stay in Alberta's north instead of moving to Ottawa. Grandmont says once the unit relocates it will augment its staff with civilian test pilots. “We are hoping to recruit retired members back to the unit once it's in Ottawa,” said Grandmont, adding that moving AETE would put the unit in a central position to service all Canadian Forces aircraft, many of which are in Eastern Canada. “Our people spend a lot of time on the road. They can be away for five or six months a year,” said Grandmont. Recently, some AETE personnel spent seven months in Petawawa, Ont. doing the work necessary to have two Chinooks available to send to Mali, where Canada has been providing emergency medical evacuation for the United Nations peacekeeping mission going on in that country. There are 19 fleets in the Canadian Air Force and only two of them are in Cold Lake—the CF-18 and the Griffon helicopters, said Grandmont. Other aircraft, like the CC-130J Hercules, CC-17 Globemaster and CC-150 Polaris are all based in Trenton, Ont. The CC-144 Challengers are in Ottawa. The CP-140 Aurora and the CH-149 Cormorants are in Greenwood, NS. The CH-148 Cyclones are in Shearwater, NS, The CH-147F Chinooks are in Petawawa, Ont. There are CC-138 Twin Otters are in Yellowknife. AETE, like all units in the Air Force, is facing a shortage of pilots. Recruiting multiengine pilots from Eastern Canada is a challenge for AETE, and a CC-130H Hercules pilot based in Winnipeg does not necessarily want to uproot his or her family to Cold Lake where his or her spouse would have limited options for employment, as well as restricted access to health care. “Although once people get to Cold Lake, they usually enjoy their time here,” said Grandmont. “It is a beautiful area.” AETE has also been losing personnel to private industry, which can offer better working conditions for experienced testers. Postmedia first revealed the proposal to move AETE in 2016. The plan first started under the Conservative government, but the Liberals continued with the relocation initiative. -With files from David Pugliese (Disclosure: The editor of the Cold Lake Sun is married to a member of AETE.) https://www.pinchercreekecho.com/news/local-news/aete-must-move-to-make-room-for-new-fighters-says-commanding-officer

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  August 7, 2024 | Local, Aerospace

  Canada’s P-8A Poseidon aircraft procurement bringing investment and economic growth to British Columbia

  News release August 7, 2024 – Richmond, British Columbia – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, welcomed Boeing’s $61 million investment in the British Columbian aerospace sector. This investment is part of the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITBs) included in Canada’s decision to procure up to 16 P-8A Poseidon aircraft from the United States Government and Boeing through the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) project. Canada’s investment to procure up to 16 P-8A aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), as announced by Minister Blair in November 2023, will support over 3,000 jobs and add approximately $358 million to Canada's economy, every year for the next 10 years. As part of its requirements to invest in Canada as the supplier of the P-8A fleet, today, Boeing announced $61 million in investments in British Columbia’s aerospace sector. Boeing will invest $48 million to build research and development capacity within Boeing’s Vancouver facility. This investment will help ensure Canada’s aerospace industry remains at the forefront of technological advancements. In particular, Boeing’s investment is geared towards data analytics technologies to enhance program management, aircraft sustainability and performance. Through the usage of complex modelling and machine learning techniques, Boeing Vancouver will develop program management tools for the sustainment of aircraft fleets, enabling its Vancouver workforce to contribute to delivering higher aircraft performance and lower sustainment costs. Boeing will also invest $13 million into Indigenous-owned COTA Aviation, based in Parksville, B.C. This investment will establish a hands-on aerospace manufacturing training facility geared towards increasing the representation and participation of Indigenous peoples in aerospace and defence. The program will train 10 workers per year and will help develop a workforce that is capable of filling needed manufacturing positions. Workers will be trained to operate modern and advanced manufacturing equipment, including robotic automation. COTA will also assist Indigenous learners in work placement at the end of the program. These initiatives will contribute to job creation and skills development in British Columbia.  Minister Blair noted that these investments are yet another demonstration of how investment in the Canadian Armed Forces supports economic growth and skill development in Canada’s defence and aerospace sectors. Through the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) project, Canada is acquiring a new fleet of aircraft that is ready to meet Canada’s security needs, and interoperable with allies and key partners. The P-8A will replace Canada’s current maritime patrol aircraft, the CP-140 Aurora, which has been in service for more than 40 years. The P-8A will provide Canada an advanced multi-mission platform to conduct maritime and overland surveillance in defence of Canada and to support our allies. This procurement will allow Canada to seamlessly transition to a replacement capability, thereby ensuring that Canada can continue to meet its domestic needs and international obligations. Quotes “Our incoming fleet of up to 16 P-8A Poseidon aircraft will provide our aviators with the tools that they need to protect our sovereignty – and at the same time, it is creating economic growth and good jobs for Canadians. As our government invests more in defence, we are ensuring that these investments deliver real value for the Canadian Armed Forces, the Canadian economy, and Canadian workers. I thank Boeing for its work to deliver this new fleet of aircraft to Canada – and I welcome its major investments in British Columbia’s aerospace sector.” The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence “The aerospace sector is a cornerstone of our economy and supports well-paid jobs for Canadian workers. Major defence procurement projects allow us to not only strengthen the operational capabilities of our armed forces, but also ensure that companies in the Canadian supply chain can get significant economic benefits. This multi-million dollar investment further consolidates our aerospace industry’s position as a global leader of innovation and technology, and supports Canadian businesses, including Indigenous-owned businesses.” The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement “Boeing’s significant investments in British Columbia under the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy underscore our government’s commitment to advancing Canadian innovation and economic prosperity. By supporting COTA Aviation’s Indigenous skills training and bolstering Boeing Vancouver’s capabilities in data analytics, Boeing is enhancing aerospace capabilities while fostering sustainable growth and creating high-value career opportunities. Through our ITB Policy, we are dedicated to ensuring Canada remains a global leader in aerospace excellence” The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry “Headquartered in Richmond’s technology and innovation hub, Boeing Vancouver has greatly contributed to our economy and provided well-paying jobs to workers and families in British Columbia. The investments announced today by Boeing will further grow our regional economy and support generational work across our community. I am encouraged by Boeing’s continued commitment to tech advancements in ensuring that Richmond remains a hub of innovation.” Parm Bains, Member of Parliament for Steveston—Richmond East "This collaboration is a testament to Canada's strength in the aviation industry and reflects Boeing's unwavering commitment to the country where we have consistently driven innovation for over a century. It’s wonderful to forge greater partnerships and growth in the province of British Columbia where our journey began back in 1919 symbolizing our enduring dedication to shaping the future of aerospace in Canada." Al Meinzinger, President of Boeing Canada. Quick facts Canada has finalized a government-to-government agreement with the United States (US) Government under the Foreign Military Sales program for the acquisition of up to 16 P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Fourteen multi-mission aircraft are being procured, with options for up to an additional two. The P-8A will replace Canada’s current maritime patrol aircraft, the CP-140 Aurora. The CP-140 Aurora fleet was originally procured in 1980 and is currently scheduled to retire from service in 2030. At that point, it will have been in service for almost 50 years and is already facing significant obsolescence challenges. Procuring a new fleet is required to continue protecting Canadian sovereignty along our three coastlines. After significant engagement and thorough analysis, the Government of Canada is confident that the P-8A delivers the best anti-submarine and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for our country. The aircraft will operate seamlessly with allies. This platform is a proven capability that is operated by all our Five Eyes allies—the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand—as well as other defence partners. The estimated investment for this project is $10.4 billion CAD; it includes up to $5.9 billion USD for the P-8A, associated equipment, simulators, training devices and sustainment set-up. The balance will cover additional investments in infrastructure and weapons. The first P-8A is expected to be delivered in 2026, and with an average of two aircraft delivered every three months, all of the aircraft could be delivered as early as fall 2028. We anticipate full operational capability by 2033.  The P-8A aircraft will be based at 14 Wing Greenwood, N.S. and 19 Wing Comox, B.C. Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy, including the Value Proposition, applies to the CMMA project. This requires that Boeing provide business activities and make investments to the Canadian economy equal to the value of its activities related to the Foreign Military Sale. As part of this project, Boeing will provide meaningful business activities and make targeted investments in Canadian industry to support the growth of our aerospace and defence sector. To that end, Boeing has plans to integrate Canadian companies in global supply chains, develop clean technologies and support the development of skills and training in Canada. This year, Canadians are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. As we mark this anniversary, the Government is making the largest investment in the Royal Canadian Air Force since the Second World War. In the past two years, the Government has signed deals to acquire approximately 200 new aircraft for the RCAF – including new fleets of F-35 fighter jets, P-8A Poseidon multi-mission aircraft, Remotely Piloted Aircraft, Strategic Tanker and Transport Aircraft, training aircraft and more. Associated links Canada purchasing up to 16 P-8A Poseidon Multi Mission Aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence Industrial and Technological Benefits Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft project https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2024/08/canadas-p-8a-poseidon-aircraft-procurement-bringing-investment-and-economic-growth-to-british-columbia.html

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  November 28, 2018 | Local, Aerospace

  CAE introduces CAE Rise™ for the defense market

  Today at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC), the world's largest military training and simulation event, CAE announced the launch of CAE Rise™ for the defense market. CAE Rise™ is a data-driven training system designed to enable defense and security organizations to deliver standardized training and give instructors a new approach to objectively assess pilot competencies using live data during training sessions. The system leverages big data analytics to reduce subjectivity in pilot assessment, allows instructors even greater focus on teaching, and helps create more efficient and continually improving training programs. CAE Rise™ is one of CAE's latest digital innovations and has already been deployed for training CAE's airline partners. During I/ITSEC, CAE (Booth #1734) will conduct demonstrations each day with CAE Rise™ integrated on a T-6C simulator. The demonstrations will show how CAE Rise™ gathers data during simulator training sessions, and then provides an instructor with real-time, objective assessments of student performance against pre-determined criteria for specific training tasks. “CAE Rise™ is a prime example of CAE's commitment to investing in the development of digital technologies to revolutionize pilot training,” said Gene Colabatistto, CAE's Group President, Defense & Security. “The aviation industry – both military and civil – faces the long-term challenge of producing sufficient numbers of highly-qualified pilots to meet demand. CAE's focus on aviation training and innovations such as CAE Rise™ will contribute to making pilot training more efficient, standardized and objective, which ultimately helps produce higher-quality and better prepared pilots.” Some of the key features, capabilities and benefits of CAE Rise™ for military pilot training include: Developed on Microsoft Azure Government for cloud computing to meet government cybersecurity and compliance requirements; Facilitating student-centric learning by providing digital lesson plans, real-time feedback and ability to tailor training to each student; Improving instructor performance by facilitating student interaction and reducing administrative burden; Enabling training organization efficiencies such as maintaining electronic records, identifying performance gaps, and implementing closed-loop, adaptive training. https://www.cae.com/news-events/press-releases/cae-introduces-cae-rise-for-the-defense-market