BC aerospace research receives $7.3 million boost

At the Aerospace, Defence & Security Expo (ADSE), in Abbotsford, BC this month, industry and government leaders announced that the BC’s aerospace industry is receiving a major financial boost toward its research and marketing efforts.

In total, $7.3 million is being invested in five BC aerospace research projects. Three projects will focus on green aviation technology lead by Waterfall Group, Nebula UAV Systems and NORAM Engineering and Constructors.

The other two research projects involve aircraft design and measuring pilot fatigue. Asco Aerospace, Avcorp Industries, Conair Group and Convergent Manufacturing Technologies will conduct the research with Camosun College and the University of British Columbia.

“BC’s aerospace industry shows strong potential to continue growing as a driver of our economy,” stated Jay Teichroeb, VP of Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) Pacific, during the event. A new study shows that the industry employs 8,300 British Columbians and generates $2.4 billion annually.

During the annual aerospace tradeshow, four other companies announced major initiatives:

Brican Automated Systems announced it will begin Canada’s first anti-submarine unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program in Nanoose Bay and will work with Peregrine Aerial Surveys on a mapping system across Canada.

KF Aerospace has launched an airfreight service from Moncton to Brussels and OMX has launched a business proposal ‘match making’ program for 45,000 Canadian businesses seeking defence-related contracts.

UrtheCast has acquired a Spanish firm and is establishing a network of 16 satellites to provide unprecedented information about Earth.
www.ADSE.ca