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NAV CANADA to modernize radar systems

NAV CANADA has announced a multi-year project to upgrade Terminal Surveillance Radar (TSR) at 12 sites. The project will be phased in starting with five major airports with work underway at Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Hamilton. The total investment for this infrastructure renewal project will be more than $125 million.


December 10, 2015  By NAV CANADA

“These radar systems are over 30 years old and are nearing the end of their lifecycle,” said Kim Troutman, Vice President, Engineering. “Radar is one of the key surveillance sources for air traffic control and will continue to be an indispensable tool for the mid and long-term in its existing role and as a complement to satellite-based ADS-B surveillance.”

NAV CANADA operates 46 radar sites across the country which provide air traffic surveillance utilized by Air Traffic Controllers and Flight Service Specialists.

“Due to the age of the systems, various electronic components are becoming obsolete and parts are sometimes difficult to replace,” noted Troutman. “This upgrade program will replace key electronic equipment while maintaining the radar site infrastructure in place. Each radar upgrade will improve reliability, advance the exchange of data, lower maintenance costs and mitigate potential service outages.”

A competitive Request for Proposal was issued and following a lengthy review and evaluation process NAV CANADA chose Selex ES, a subsidiary of Finmeccanica, as the supplier. Finmeccanica – Selex ES has delivered air traffic control radar systems to more than 150 countries over the last 60 years.

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