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B.C.’s aerospace R&D gets $7.3 million boost

“B.C.’s aerospace industry shows strong potential to continue growing as a driver of our economy,” stated Jay Teichroeb, vice president, AIAC Pacific. A new study shows that the industry employs 8,300 British Columbians and generates $2.4 billion annually. The study also identifies the province’s capabilities so that they can be better marketed.

It was also announced that $7.3 million is being invested in five B.C. aerospace research projects. Three projects will focus on green aviation technology; Waterfall Group, Nebula UAV Systems, and NORAM Engineering and Constructors will lead them. 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.

Four other companies announced major initiatives:

•  Brican Automated Systems – Will begin Canada’s first anti-submarine
    unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program in Nanoose Bay; Will work with
    Peregrine Aerial Surveys on a mapping system across Canada.
•  KF Aerospace – Has launched an airfreight service from Moncton to
    Brussels
•  OMX – Has launched a business proposal ‘match making’ program for 45,000
    Canadian businesses seeking defence-related contracts
•  UrtheCast – Has acquired a Spanish firm; Is establishing a network of 16
    satellites to provide unprecedented information about Earth