Members of the Rockwell Collins Canada team at their 2017 Open House.
(Volume 24-09)
By Sandrine Murray
In a world where connectivity and networking is king, the future looks good for a company specializing in communications like Rockwell Collins Canada.
Over the last five years, Rockwell Collins Canada has seen significant growth both in terms of people and investment in its domestic product lines. From less than 100, the company now has 250 employees across Canada, and expects that number to grow. As global security concerns increase, the company’s communications solutions are designed to meet the needs of all services within the Canadian Armed Forces.
As global threats change and evolve, reliable communication across platforms and frequencies becomes more important. In Canada, there are programs spelled out in the government’s recently released defence policy review requiring communications capabilities that align well with Rockwell Collins’ domestic offerings, explained Lee Obst, managing director, Canada for Rockwell Collins. These include Subnet Relay and wideband high frequency (HF). SubNet Relay creates mobile, ad hoc IP networks by reusing existing radios, while wideband HF enhances operational coverage and data-rate transmission compared with traditional HF. This allows for less reliance on satellite communications and provides significant performance enhancement to the user.
Rockwell Collins also develops wave forms in their local subsidiary for providing network and connectivity as exemplified by ongoing work on the Combat Net Radio (Enhanced) Project.
Lee Obst, Rockwell Collins’ managing director for Canada.
Rockwell Collins Canada is also focused on positioning for other Canadian military procurements, such as the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). They also focus on promoting their avionics systems such as their Pro Line Fusion, which enhances the safety, efficiency of both military and commercial aircraft.
The government side of the group is based in Ottawa predominantly, which houses three focal areas. They design products in Ottawa for the federal market, which are exported through the rest of the corporation in Canada and internationally. The company’s presence in Canada’s capital also means it can provide service and support on all the products offered. Rockwell Collins solutions are found everywhere.
“We’re pretty much on everything the Air Force flies,” says Obst.
Rockwell Collins sees a strong presence and growth in the Canadian aerospace and defence world. Locally made with an eye for the export market, it is anticipating continued growth both in Canada and internationally.
