By David Pugliese
Seaspan delivers second Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel
Seaspan Shipyards announced Dec. 10 that it completed the delivery of CCGS Capt. Jacques Cartier, the Canadian Coast Guard’s newest Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel or OFSV. It is the second OFSV delivered by Seaspan, which was her sister ship, the CCGS Sir John Franklin.
These two ships are the first large vessels delivered under the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
More than 600 Canadian firms were involved in the project.
Measuring 63.4 metres, the CCGS
Capt. Jacques Cartier is one of the most advanced and capable ships of its size and type in the world, according to Seaspan. Fully equipped to support Fisheries and Ocean scientists in the collection and analysis of data on Canada’s marine ecosystems and the impacts of climate change, the vessel features a full suite of modern systems, including high-tech fishing trawls and four science labs — a wet lab, a dry lab, an ocean lab and a control lab, the company added. The OFSV also has a deployable drop keel, loaded with a wide array of sensors to support the vessel’s research
mandate.
The CCGS Capt. Jacques Cartier will also support search and rescue operations and environmental response. A third OFSV under construction at Seaspan Shipyards is structurally complete and on schedule to be delivered in August 2020, Seaspan added.
The Department of National Defence says it will work with Airbus to ensure the completion of technical manuals needed for the new Fixed Wing Search and Rescue Aircraft.
The first of the new C295 aircraft was supposed to be handed over in early December but that was not done as there have been challenges in the completion of the required technical manuals, DND noted.
“We continue to collaborate with Airbus, prioritizing the work required in order to deliver the new search and rescue aircraft safely and effectively,” DND spokesman Dan Le Bouthillier said. “While it is not yet known if this will cause a delay in final delivery, we remain optimistic that the supplier can work towards an acceptable solution so that our on-site testing and evaluations can be done prior to flying the first aircraft to Canada next spring, as previously planned.”
In the meantime, Collins Aerospace Systems used the Dubai Air Show to highlight the fact that the new C295 tactical aircraft come equipped with the firm’s state-of-the-art Pro Line Fusion flight deck. That will significantly advance the capabilities of C295 operators, Collins Aerospace Systems noted. The selection marks the first fixed-wing search and rescue platform to include Pro Line Fusion among its standard equipment. Collins Aerospace is a unit of United Technologies Corp.
The Pro Line Fusion flight deck designed for the C295 includes key features to help operators during search and rescue, and other tactical missions. It includes: our 14.1-inch (35.8 cm) touchscreen displays to provide a more intuitive interface for pilots to interact and customize their information on the flight deck; night-vision goggle capability to help ensure successful missions in low light conditions; Head-Up Displays that enable the pilot to keep their eyes up for enhanced situational awareness; Enhanced Vision System (EVS) sensor that allows pilots to see through low-visibility conditions; overlaid weather radar that shows a graphical depiction of weather along the flight plan for easy viewing; Integrated Terrain Awareness and Warning System that enables high-resolution 3D obstacle depiction and enhances mission safety, and fully integrated Mission Flight Management Systems supporting Search and Rescue patterns, Computed Air Release Points and High Altitude Release Points.
In addition, the flight deck was designed to meet evolving airspace and regulatory requirements, future-proofing it for years to come, Collins Aerospace pointed out.
Dave Schreck, vice president and general manager for Military Avionics and Helicopters at Collins Aerospace, said the flight deck implementation is an excellent example of how the firm is able to apply the latest commercial avionics technology and integrate it with military functions and capabilities for customers. He noted the Pro Line Fusion integrated avionics system will reduce pilot workload and increase ease of operation for all future C295 operators
L3Harris Technologies recently delivered two F/A-18 Hornet aircraft to NASA after successfully completing depot-level modifications and repair work. The two aircraft were recently delivered to NASA by L3Harris Canadian Fighter Center of Excellence. Vertex Aerospace LLC selected L3Harris to work on the NASA F/A-18 Hornet aircraft in 2018. As part of the scheduled maintenance work, L3Harris has addressed structural modifications, while maximizing the availability of the aircraft for operational use. The work involved structural modifications to eliminate flight and landing restrictions. L3Harris is seen as a world leader in developing and implementing F/A-18 structural modification and life extension solutions, having already completed major structural programs for the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force, and assisting other F/A-18 users, including the Swiss Air Force, the Finnish Air Force, and the U.S. Navy
The United Arab Emirates used the Dubai Airshow to announce it intended to conclude a contract amendment for the purchase of two additional GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft from Saab. The potential order value related to the contract amendment would be around $1 billion U.S.
The original development and production contract for GlobalEye was awarded to Saab at the Dubai Air Show in November 2015 by the United Arab Emirates with an initial order for two systems. An additional order by the UAE for a third system was announced in 2017. GlobalEye provides air, maritime and ground surveillance in a single solution, according to Saab. It combines a new extended range radar with the ultra-long range Global 6000jet aircraft from Bombardier.
MBDA has signed an agreement to purchase GDI Simulation from Airbus. Terms of the deal are not being disclosed.
GDI Simulation is one of the leading French players in simulation for the French Armed Forces. GDI Simulation, based in the Ile de France, has over 70 employees. It develops, assembles, integrates and maintains simulation systems for ground vehicles and for MBDA battlefield missiles, for the French and foreign armed forces. GDI Simulation will continue to operate independently under the ownership of MBDA.
