Defense & Aerospace Engineering

International Space Station Live Streaming Video

2010-02-01T14:04:00.000-05:00

Starting today, NASA is streaming live video from the International Space Station. The announcement was made last Thursday.

OAC AGM: Dark Clouds and Blue Skies

2009-10-27T11:50:00.004-04:00

The Ontario Aerospace Council’s (OAC) 14^th AGM and Industry Forum highlighted both the good and the bad in Ontario's aerospace industry. I think most participants came away with good feelings about the future, but also a healthy dose of reality concerning the work to be done to be ready for that future.

The appetisers and meal at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Conference Centre were good, and Ontario's Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Sandra Pupatello, addressed the audience with an infectious enthusiasm that served as an aid to digestion.

Peter Hall (VP and Chief Economist at EDC) delivered a sobering assessment of the economic road ahead, but concluded on a theme that I heartily embrace: now is the time to prepare for the coming aerospace boom. Despite the pain being felt by all Canadian manufacturers and exporters, and the doom and gloom of the current economic forecast, the future for Ontario's aerospace industry is extremely bright, if only we are prepared for that future when it arrives.

How will you prepare? In the opening plenary session, Dr. David Bailey of the UK's Northwest Aerospace Alliance emphasized the importance of working together to create a world class supply chain. Sandy Munro used colourful scatological references to create a sense of urgency around the idea of lean design. I'm sure the other sessions were equally inspiring.

I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't remind you that sales and marketing should be considered in the mix of activities you need to undertake now to prepare your company for the coming aerospace boom. Run-time's integrated marketing communications approach reflects the lean design and manufacturing principles espoused by all participanst in this year's industry forum.

Government of Canada Purchases 15 Chinooks from Boeing

2009-09-30T11:24:00.007-04:00

August 11, 2009 - The Government of Canada has awarded a $1.2 billion contract to Boeing for 15 new Chinook CH-47F (Canadian Forces CH-147F) helicopters, to be delivered between 2013 and 2014.

The purchase is meant to meet Canada's medium-to-heavy lift helicopter programme requirements.

DEW Engineering Signs Alliance with BAE Systems Bofors

2009-09-30T10:24:00.005-04:00

September 15, 2009 - Ottawa/Miramichi-based DEW Engineering & Development has signed an Agreement (PDF) with Swedish defense contractor BAE Systems Bofors to collaborate on the manufacture of weapons for army vehicles in Canada and the United States.

The primary impact of the deal is to allow DEW to manufacture the LEMUR remote weapons system, an artillery technology mounted on top of armoured military vehicles.