Boeing, along with its wholly owned subsidiary Insitu, has announced the first $25 million (U.S.) in contracts to Canadian companies as part of a government order for small unmanned aerial vehicle (SUAV) services.
Esterline CMC Electronics plans to deliver the first T-6B cockpit in the fourth quarter of this year further to receiving the first production order from Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) for CMC’s integrated Cockpit 4000 for the HBC T-6B Texan trainer aircraft. The CMC Cockpit 4000 includes an Integrated Avionics Computer (IAC), a Heads-Up Display (HUD), Up Front Control Panel (UFCP), and Multifunction Displays (MFDs). CMC received the order in November 2008 for the first 35 aircraft in the production run after completing all necessary program requirements. The T-6B Texan is based on the successful Beechcraft T-6A, already in service as the U.S. military’s Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) aircraft, and is also the primary trainer for the NATO Flying Training Canada (NFTC), and the Hellenic Air Force of Greece.
CAE and Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) laid a ceremonial foundation stone for a new helicopter training centre in Bangalore, India. The cleverly named facility — Helicopter Academy to Train by Simulation of Flying or HATSOFF — is an equally-owned joint venture between the two companies.
Viking has released preliminary data on its Guardian 400, a medium range maritime patrol, SAR (Search and Rescue) and critical infrastructure surveillance and security platform, based on the new Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft.
Designed for extreme operating environments, the Guardian 400 will include a restricted category increased take-off weight and extended range internal patrol tank, allowing for operational sorties over 10 hours in duration. The Guardian 400 will be outfitted with an electro-optical and infrared imaging turret, which can be displayed on either the flight deck Honeywell Primus Apex Multi Function Display, or on a separate cabin console.
Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, and Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, recently announced the awarding of a contract to Weir Canada Inc. for the operation of the Naval Engineering Test Establishment (NETE), headquartered in Montreal.
DND has announced plans to procure the next generation of land combat vehicles, renewing a core capability of the Canadian Forces and providing uniformed men and women with the equipment required to do their jobs safely and effectively.
The announcement was made by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, along with the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), and Lieutenant-General Andrew Leslie, Chief of the Land Staff.
The Minister of National Defence, with Lieutenant-General Andrew Leslie, Chief of the Land Staff, have announced that the Government of Canada has approved an upgrade program for the LAV III family of vehicles. General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada will be the prime contractor and systems integrator for this program. General Dynamics will now work closely with the Department of National Defence in defining the scope of the LAV III upgrades.
Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) has received the largest single order in its recent history with a commission for series production of the Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). PSM GmbH (Project System and Management), a joint venture in which KMW and Rheinmetall AG of Düsseldorf each hold a 50% stake, was awarded a contract by the Federal German Defence Technology and Procurement Agency (BWB) for the delivery of 405 newly developed combat vehicles. The total contract value is approximately EUR 3.1 billion.
The 2009 Canada Army Run, a unique running event in which civilians run, walk, or wheel side-by-side with members of the Canadian Forces in half-marathon and 5K events, is scheduled for September 20, 2009 in Ottawa.
Launched in 2008, the Army Run made Canadian history by shattering records for the largest number of entrants for an inaugural run. The sold-out event brought together 7000 civilians and military personnel and raised tens of thousands of dollars for Soldier On and the Military Families Fund, initiatives which support injured soldiers and military families in need. The event drew participants from every province and territory in Canada, as well as from the United States and dozens of other countries.
“We expect to break records for growth this year,” said Major Christopher Horeczy, Army Run Director, “particularly in the numbers of civilians who join us. It’s an opportunity for the military – Air Force, Army, and Navy – to extend our military esprit de corps and camaraderie to all Canadians and to express our appreciation for their support. It’s also an opportunity for civilians to run, walk or wheel beside the Canadian men and women who serve them at home and abroad.”
CDR’s correspondent on the ground at the recent Paris Air Show is reporting that, UAV specialist, Aeronautics Ltd. will make a bid for Canada’s JUSTAS program with an aircraft platform built at the Diamond Aircraft plant in London, Ontario. Diamond has been building recreational and training aircraft at the London plant since 1992 and is one of the bigger employers in that city.
The 2009 Canada Army Run, a unique running event in which civilians run, walk, or wheel side-by-side with members of the Canadian Forces in half-marathon and 5K events, is scheduled for September 20, 2009 in Ottawa. 
CDR’s correspondent on the ground at the recent Paris Air Show is reporting that, UAV specialist, Aeronautics Ltd. will make a bid for Canada’s JUSTAS program with an aircraft platform built at the Diamond Aircraft plant in London, Ontario. Diamond has been building recreational and training aircraft at the London plant since 1992 and is one of the bigger employers in that city. 
