Star Navigation Systems Group Ltd., a leading edge technology company focused on providing Aerospace Solutions to assist aviation operators worldwide, announced two additional sales of its STAR-ISMS Lite Flight Tracking and Communication technology units to SkyLink Aviation Inc. This brings the total SkyLink order to 33.

STAR-ISMS Lite provides Flight Tracking, Asset Management, Two-way Data/Voice Communications, and Backup Emergency SOS/Distress Capabilities.

Field Aviation Company Inc. has delivered the last of seven Dash 8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Patrol (CBP).

Following a thorough evaluation of aircraft, sensors and modifiers, Field Aviation modified the first Dash 8 Series 200 MPA aircraft for CBP in 2004, and additional aircraft were subsequently ordered such that the fleet now consists of four Dash 8 Series 200s and three larger Series 300 aircraft.

Field Aviation has received each aircraft as a standard commercial version from the manufacturer, modified the structure, interior, navigation and communications equipment as well as other systems so the sensor hardware and the mission management system could be installed by ATK Integrated Systems in the USA prior to final delivery to CBP.

BelAir Networks Inc. of Kanata, Ontario has received, from the Canadian government, a $9.7 million loan to develop wireless networking technologies to improve defence industry communications. This investment is made through the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI).

"The defence industry's need for robust, reliable and highly secure wireless networks is greater than ever before," said Minister Clement. "This investment will help meet this need, ensuring that modern-day military operations are conducted in the most efficient and secure way possible."

Through the $32.3-million project, BelAir will develop and introduce a new set of hardware and software capabilities for its wireless networking product line to improve the capacity, reach and security of networks used by defence industries for surveillance, communications, video transmission and other essential tasks. BelAir will collaborate with federal and academic partners, including the Communications Research Centre Canada and Carleton University.

The Department of National Defence has awarded a $29.4 million contract to DEW Engineering and Development ULC of Ottawa for the Long Term Engineering and Support Services to the M113 Fleet.

The four year contract, with two one-year option periods, provides Technical Engineering and Maintenance Services (TEMS), Integrated Logistics Support (ILS), Repair and Overhaul (R&O) services and support spares, and Battle Damage Repair, on an as-required-basis for the M113 Family of Vehicles (FOV).

exactEarth Ltd., the data services subsidiary of COM DEV International Ltd. has entered into an agreement to provide its space-based Automatic Identification System (S-AIS) service, exactAIS, to the Danish Maritime Safety Administration (DaMSA) on a paid trial basis. Under the agreement, exactEarth will provide DaMSA with an S-AIS data feed and value-added services for a limited time commencing with the launch of its first operational satellite in the second quarter of 2010. 

DaMSA, a department of the Danish Ministry of Defence, has significant experience in the deployment of terrestrial AIS systems. Its objectives in purchasing S-AIS data include enhancing its global ship tracking abilities, improving its ability to perform maritime risk assessment and Aids to Navigation planning, particularly in the Arctic region, as well as improving Search and Rescue operations.

Esterline Corporation reported fiscal 2009 fourth quarter and full-year results for the period ended October 30, 2009. Income from continuing operations for the quarter was $37.9 million compared to year-ago income of $41.4 million.

For the full year, Esterline reported income $107.2 million and net earnings were $119.8 millioncompared with $120.5 million last year. FY2009 net sales were $1.43 billion compared with $1.48 billion a year ago.

Brad Lawrence, Esterline CEO, said the company's performance "...exceeded our expectations due primarily to a strong finish from our Canada-based avionics operation where R&D investments in the new T-6B military trainer cockpit and C-130 avionics retrofit programs are beginning to pay off." Lawrence added that the seamless integration of UK-based Racal Acoustics, acquired earlier in the year, enabled that operation to "...outperform our first-year expectations."

Gabriel (Gabe) Batstone, formerly Vice President Business Development at NGRAIN, has joined CAE Flightscape as Managing Director located in Ottawa.

On December 7th, the first two of Canada’s 17 CC-130Js moved to the front of the production line in Marietta, Georgia. The CC-130J on the left in the attached photo is the first and is in the position for interior trim. The CC-130J on the right is in the final assembly position. The aircraft will be delivered in the spring of 2010.

OSI Geospatial's International Systems Operations has completed the first installation of its Digital Maritime Operations Plot (D-MOP) system onboard a Brazilian Navy 209 class submarine. The contract for this project was signed in January 2008 and this is the first of 5 systems to be fitted.

Obzerv Technologies Inc., headquartered in Quebec City has won a contract with the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division for its ARGC-2400 long-range night vision camera.

The U.S Navy will test the Active Range-Gated ARGC-2400 camera by conducting data collection efforts at multiple Navy locations.