Martin Munro to Lead Operations at DRS Technologies Canada

 OTTAWA, ONTARIO FEBRUARY 1, 2017 ̶ DRS Technologies Canada, Ltd. announced today that Martin Munro has been named as Vice President and General Manager of its operations in Canada. Munro replaces Steve Zuber who retired at the end of 2016.

Munro has been with DRS since January 2016 and served as its Vice President for Business Development and Strategy prior to being named to this position. During his time in that role, Munro led several successful government and commercial captures for the company. His leadership has helped position the company as a recognized leader in naval communications programs in Canada and around the world.

Munro is a seasoned government and defense industry executive who brings significant program and leadership experience to this position. He began his career as a procurement officer with the Government of Canada and has held a series of progressively more responsible positions in business operations, program management, systems engineering, business development and general management. Martin has held executive positions with Lockheed Martin, Allen Vanguard and Cubic Field Services Canada prior to his current role.

Originally from Ottawa and a graduate of the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Diploma in Engineering Management, Munro is a member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario and a current Board member of WaterAid Canada, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in developing countries. He is a past Board member of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries.

About DRS Technologies

DRS Technologies is a leading technology innovator and supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors worldwide. The company specializes in naval and maritime systems, ground combat mission command and network computing, global satellite communications and network infrastructure, avionics systems, and intelligence and security solutions. Additionally, DRS builds power systems and electro-optical/infrared systems for a wide range of commercial customers. DRS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Leonardo S.p.A. See the full range of capabilities at www.drs.com

MANNARINO Strengthens its DAO ~ Adds Airborne Software (RTCA/DO-178) Delegate

John Mannarino, President and Founder of MANNARINO Systems & Software, is proud to announce the addition of Sam Calandra as both a Design Approval Appointee (DAA) for Airborne Software under the MANNARINO Design Approval Organization (DAO) as well as an Engineering Project Manager.  Mr. Calandra is an accomplished engineering specialist and manager with extensive experience in airborne gas turbine engine control systems, software and certification.  

“Having worked for a major OEM engine manufacturer for over 26 years, Sam brings a tremendous amount of expertise to the MANNARINO team and is a respected and trusted leader in his field” stated John Mannarino. “With the addition of Sam to our team, the company’s technical offering is further enhanced not only in the field of gas turbine systems and software engineering, but also in the area of airborne software certification.  Sam’s prior experience as an airborne software delegate for Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) will strengthen and deepen the MANNARINO DAO which we established in 2016.

Working in conjunction with our customers and keeping abreast of their evolving requirements, MANNARINO continues to respond to the needs of the industry, allowing the breadth and recognition of our service offering to set us apart from our competitors. The evolution of our business model, as well as the lean management style of our organization, continues to provide efficient and cost-effective solutions to the marketplace.

The MANNARINO team, comprised of dedicated professionals at every level, is intent on delivering tailored solutions to meet our customers’ needs. The arrival of Sam enhances the strength and professionalism of our team.  I know I can count on each and every one of you to warmly welcome Sam into the MANNARINO family.”

About MANNARINO

Mannarino Systems & Software is a Transport Canada approved Design Approval Organization (DAO) for Airborne Software (RTCA/DO-178) & Airborne Electronic Hardware (AEH) (RTCA/DO-254) and also provides safety-critical systems, software and electronic hardware engineering services to the aerospace, defense, space, simulation and power generation industries.  MANNARINO is highly specialized in the specification, design, verification, validation and approval of safety-critical systems with particular expertise in the following areas:

• Airborne Software (RTCA/DO-178B/C) • Real-Time Software• Systems Engineering• Airborne Electronic Hardware (AEH) (RTCA/DO-254)• RTCA/DO-178B/C Training • Industrial Gas Turbine Controls Software & Simulation• Aircraft Systems Simulation

IMarEST’s INTERNATIONAL NAVAL ENGINEERING CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION MOVES TO AUTUMN 2018

The 14th International Naval Engineering Conference and Exhibition (INEC 2018), with increased scope to include ship control systems – concepts, design, operation and support – will be held from Tuesday 2 – Thursday 4 October 2018 at the Technology & Innovation Centre at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. 

“Moving INEC from its traditional Spring dates to the early Autumn allows additional time for the increased scope of this renowned Learned Society event with its international participation to be fully developed by our committed group of experts from the INEC Technical Advisory Committee (TAC),” explains David Loosley, Chief Executive of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).  “We are delighted that Capt Matt Bolton RN will once again chair the INEC TAC providing welcome continuity, and look forward to a highly stimulating and topical event.”

INEC will be organised by FIGS Events on behalf of the IMarEST.

As Capt Matt Bolton explains: “Looking forward to INEC 2018 in Glasgow we are keen to maintain and develop the level of the technical programme to embrace cutting edge technologies and innovation; and look forward to increasing and broadening international participation in this key event in the naval engineering calendar.

“Importantly, like all IMarEST Learned Society events, INEC 2018 is CPD approved, something we take extremely seriously, and of which we encourage the attending professional engineers and technologists from across the world’s navies, defence industries and academic establishments involved with the very latest thinking and developments in warship and submarine design and operation to take full advantage.”

Looking back

Over 300 delegates from across the globe attended the 13th International Naval Engineering Conference (INEC 2016) held in Bristol, UK in April 2016. With its highly topical theme ‘Engineering the Triple A Navy: Active, Adaptive, Affordable’ the biennial event hosted a visit by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, an Honorary Fellow of IMarEST.

Further information

There are various key milestones in the development of INEC 2018. The Call for Papers will be launched next Spring; those selected to present papers will be notified in early 2018; and will be followed by the full technical programme and registration details.

Information on exhibiting, and on sponsorship will be available from www.inec.org.uk and inec@figsevents.co.uk in the New Year.

Founding ceremony of DCNS Australia’s Adelaide Future Submarine Facility

DCNS Australia today celebrated the founding of their Australian headquarters in Keswick, Adelaide, which will be dedicated to delivering the Future Submarine Program.

The ceremony was attended by the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull, Prime Minister of Australia, Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, Mr Jean-Yves Le Drian, French Minister for Defence and a number of parliamentarians and defence sector figures.

“This is an important initial milestone in DCNS’ decades long commitment to the design and construction of 12 regionally superior submarines in Adelaide,” said Herve Guillou, Chairman and Global CEO of DCNS Group.

“This facility, and our local Adelaide workforce starting with 50 people in 2017, marks the beginning of our relationship as part of the community,” said Mr Guillou.

The facility will become operational in early 2017 to support DCNS’ activities around Australia, including the transfer of technology from France to Australia, the development of the Australian supply chain and the design of a new shipyard in Adelaide.

“We are planning from the beginning to maximize the participation of Australian business in this $50 billion project,” said Sean Costello, CEO, DCNS Australia.

“Australian industry participation is not just good for local business and the community, but critical for the transfer of knowledge and the creation of Australian sovereignty for the operation and sustainment of the submarines,” said Mr Costello.

The DCNS Australia Adelaide Future Submarine Facility is located at 1 Richmond Road, Keswick.

About DCNS

DCNS is the European leader in naval defence and a major player in marine renewable energy. The Group’s success as an advanced technology company with global reach is built on meeting customer needs by deploying exceptional know-how, unique industrial resources and an ability to develop innovative strategic partnerships. DCNS designs and builds submarines and surface combatants, develops associated systems and infrastructure, and offers a full range of services to naval bases and shipyards. The Group has also expanded its focus into marine renewable energy. Aware of its corporate social responsibilities, DCNS is a member of the United Nations Global Compact. The DCNS Group generates annual revenues of €3.04 billion and employs 12,953 people (2015 data).

Vancouver Shipyards Appoints Tony Tinto as Vice President, Planning & Estimating

Vancouver, BC – Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards is pleased to announce the appointment of Tony Tinto to Vice President, Planning & Estimating. 

Tony joined Vancouver Shipyards (VSY) in 2006 as a Project Manager, before moving over to affiliate company Vancouver Drydock in 2007 in a similar capacity. In 2012, Tony returned to VSY as Director, Planning & Production Control, and was appointed to the role of interim Vice President, Planning & Estimating in November 2016. Prior to his arrival at Seaspan in 2006, Tony worked as a Design & Engineering Manager for Westbay SonShip & Yachts.

As part of the Seaspan Shipyards senior leadership team, Tony is responsible for providing leadership and direction on network planning, detail planning and production control, as well as estimating for new ship construction.

Tony holds a diploma in Civil Design from (BCIT), a professional diploma in Yacht Design from the Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology and an Executive Education certificate from the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Sauder School of Business.

“As a senior management professional with extensive planning/construction and project management experience, Tony is a results-oriented leader with a proven ability in the management and execution of significant design and shipbuilding contracts,” said Brian Carter, President – Seaspan Shipyards. “I’m happy to announce his official promotion today and look forward to continuing to work with him.”

Canada’s Department of National Defence orders 16 aircraft

Today, the Government of Canada announced that it had selected the Airbus C295W aircraft for its Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue Program.

As part of the FWSAR program, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) will receive 16 C295Ws modified for Search and Rescue (SAR).

The contract will also include in service support, provided through a joint venture between Airbus Defence and Space and PAL Aerospace.

Simon Jacques, Head of Airbus Defence and Space in Canada said: “We are acutely conscious of the importance of search and rescue in Canada’s vast and challenging territory and we are honoured to have been selected to provide the aircraft and service to ensure that the role is carried out effectively.”

The C295W features substantial Canadian content. Every C295 is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada engines, pilots and technicians will be trained at a new facility developed by CAE in Comox, BC, and the electro-optical systems for FWSAR will be provided by L3 Wescam of Burlington, ON. In-service support for the life of the program will be provided by AirPro, a joint venture between Airbus Defence and Space and PAL Aerospace of St John’s, Newfoundland. In-service support will be conducted by Canadians in Canada.

Jacques added: “About 20 percent of the aircraft is already Canadian, meaning that it already serves as a global ambassador for the skills, innovation and expertise of Canadians. Now it will get to serve them directly.”

Canada’s C295Ws will be delivered starting three years after contract award. In service, they will join five Airbus CC-150 aircraft used in the air-to-air refueling, transport, and VIP travel roles.

When the contract is finalized, 185 C295s will have been ordered by 25 countries.

About Airbus Defence and Space

Airbus Defence and Space, a division of Airbus Group, is Europe’s number one defence and space enterprise and the second largest space business worldwide. Its activities include space, military aircraft and related systems and services. It employs more than 38,000 people and in 2015 generated revenues of over 13 billion Euros.

CMIG Leasing takes delivery of China’s 100th helicopter from the Ecureuil family

·The Ecureuil family becomes the first helicopter fleet with 100 aircraft operating in China’s civil and para-public market

·The H125 will be deployed for power line surveillance, geographic surveys and aerial videography missions

Beijing, 9 December 2016 – CMIG Leasing received a brand new H125 helicopter from Airbus Helicopters in Marignane, France, making it the 100thEcureuil family helicopter to operate in China’s skies.

This helicopter will be operated by the Shanghai Skyway General Aviation Company (Skyway GAC), one of the pioneers in China general aviation, with a fleet of seven H125. Skyway GAC will deploy this new helicopter for power line surveillance, geographic surveys and aerial videography missions in the country.

“We have been utilizing Airbus Helicopters’ aircraft for many years, and we are confident that we can immediately benefit from the Ecureuil helicopter family for its outstanding performance, reliability, safety, and multi-mission capabilities, coupled with CMIG Leasing’s strong financial solution”, said Wang Bei, Chairman of Skyway GAC.

“CMIG Leasing is committed to providing robust helicopters leasing solutions to meet the dynamic general aviation market growth in China. Partnering Airbus Helicopters, today’s delivery testifies to the marriage of an advanced and innovative product range from Airbus Helicopters, and a solid leasing portfolio from CMIG, that enhances value for our customers”, said Wang Rong, CMIG Leasing Chairman.

CMIG signed an agreement with Airbus Helicopters in 2015, to acquire 100 H125 and H130 Ecureuil aircraft over five years, with first deliveries starting in 2016.

“We are delighted to see 100 aircraft of our Ecureuil family now flying in China, which reinforces Airbus Helicopters’ leading position in China’s civil and para-public helicopter market”, said Marie-Agnes Veve, Head of Airbus Helicopters China. “In 2015, Airbus Helicopters secured 75% share of the single-engine helicopter market in China. We are confident that our proven and reliable helicopter solutions will add long term growth value to the operators here in China, as the country progressively opens its skies to more helicopter activities.”

Airbus Helicopters’ Ecureuil family is the first and only single type of helicopter fleet, with 100 rotorcraft operating in China’s fast-growing civil and para-public markets. Accumulatively, the Ecureuil family has clocked over 85,000 flight hours in China. The H125 outclasses all other single-engine helicopters for its performance, versatility, safety and low maintenance, while excelling in high altitudes, and in hot and extreme environment. It is a proven rotorcraft with successful deployments in power line, fire-fighting, geographic survey, agriculture, video-filming and passenger transportation in China, while the H130 is a rising star in HEMS (Helicopters Emergency Medical Services), tourism as well as aerial work missions.

Celebration held to mark first milestone of Pathways to Shipbuilding Indigenous Education and Apprenticeship Pilot Program

Halifax, NS – Nineteen Indigenous students enrolled in the Pathways to Shipbuilding Indigenous Education and Apprenticeship Pilot Program (Pathways to Shipbuilding) are one step closer to a long-term career as metal fabricators building ships for Canada with Irving Shipbuilding.

Today students celebrated the successful completion of the Pathways to Shipbuilding’s initial 14-week preparatory training required for their entry into the Metal Fabrication program at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC).

 Pathways to Shipbuilding is a unique collaboration of ten industry, government, academic and Indigenous partners. The program, facilitated through the NSCC Irving Shipbuilding Centre of Excellence, is designed to create pathways and support for Indigenous Canadians to enter the shipbuilding industry.

The Mi’kmaq Native Friendship Centre is the lead community partner and is working with other Indigenous organizations to provide support services to the students.

The 14-week preparatory training program focused on personal and academic readiness and metal fabrication career exploration. Students spent the first month in class at the Mi’kmaq Native Friendship Centre before moving to NSCC’s Akerley Campus where they completed safety courses and spent time learning welding basics.

Over the course of the two-year metal fabrication program, participants will learn and work together, and be mentored and coached by community and industry supporters, including employees working at Irving Shipbuilding.

Students will begin the Metal Fabrication program in January 2017 and conduct two work-terms at Irving Shipbuilding throughout the program. Successful graduates who meet employment eligibility criteria will be employed by Irving Shipbuilding at the end of the two-year diploma program as positions become available.

The Pathways to Shipbuilding collaborators include Irving Shipbuilding Inc., GE Canada, Unifor, NSCC, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), Aboriginal Affairs (OAA), the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, and Labour and Advanced Education (LAE). 

About the NSCC Irving Shipbuilding Centre of Excellence:

Irving Shipbuilding currently employs 1,500 people, and will be for the next 30 years building Canada’s future combatant fleet as part of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). NSS is designed to create a future of certainty for Canada’s shipbuilding industry and the companies that support it. In anticipation of this, the NSCC Irving Shipbuilding Centre of Excellence was established to provide opportunities for Nova Scotians, particularly under-represented groups, to enter the shipbuilding industry. 

Quotes:

The Honourable Judy M. Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement:

“One of the goals of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy is to rejuvenate our marine industry, support Canadian technological innovation, and bring jobs and prosperity to many communities across Canada. Initiatives such as the Pathways to Shipbuilding Indigenous Education and Apprenticeship Pilot Project is helping to create much-needed jobs that will benefit the establishment of a strong and sustainable shipbuilding industry in Canada.”

Honourable Kelly Regan, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education and Minister responsible for the Apprenticeship Agency:

“This is a great example of the success that can come from government, industry, and community partners working together. The Pathways to Shipbuilding program creates opportunities for aboriginal young people to enter the shipbuilding industry, so they can train toward apprenticeships and successful careers here in the province.” 

Don Bureaux, President Nova Scotia Community College:

“It is an honour to be a part of this incredible partnership that is fostering a tremendous opportunity for a class of determined students who will have the chance to invest the skills and education they receive back into the success of this significant Canadian project.”

Kevin McCoy, President of Irving Shipbuilding, Irving Shipbuilding

“Pathways to Shipbuilding is an exciting part of our workforce strategy that increases trades specific skills and creates long-term metal fabrication career opportunities for Indigenous Canadians. Our work at the Halifax Shipyard building ships for Canada as part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy will increase our workforce by 1,000 shipbuilders over the next five to ten years. It is important that we seek out the best talent from all across the country. Good luck to the students as they begin their metal fabrication training." 

Jamie Sanipass, Elsipogtog First Nation, New Brunswick Student, Pathways to Shipbuilding:

“I think one of the coolest things about it is just the size of the program. They didn’t just look for people in one city or one province, there are people in our class from New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. You can tell they put in the time to find the right people for the program.”

Kim Warburton, VP, Communications & Public Affairs, GE Canada:

“GE is proud to be a part of the Pathways to Shipbuilding initiative, a unique 2-year collaborative program, combining academic and hands-on learning.  Congratulations to all participants for achieving the first program milestone.”

Pam Gloade, Executive Director, Friendship Centre

“The Pathways to Shipbuilding program is a great example of communities and organizations coming together to create opportunities for Indigenous people in our region. Our staff have enjoyed working with and supporting the students as they prepare for their training, and we will be there to support them as they work hard to become proud Indigenous marine fabricators and shipbuilders.”

Bob Orr, Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer:

“As the union representing workers at the Halifax Shipyard, Unifor is very pleased to be part of the Pathways to Shipbuilding project and we extend our most enthusiastic congratulations to the students as they move on to the next phase in their training. This program can be a model for unions, employers and governments in every region of the country as we work towards more inclusive workplaces and to provide opportunities to First Nations and Aboriginal workers.”

German federal police to receive three H215 helicopters

For challenging missions such as maritime emergencies

Offering high versatility and availability

Donauwörth, 7 December 2016 – The German federal police (Bundespolizei) has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the purchase of three H215 multi-role rotorcraft via the purchasing administration of the German Federal Ministry of Interior . The aircraft will be tasked with a number of challenging roles, among them maritime emergencies and police missions. The helicopters are scheduled for delivery in early 2019. 

The Bundespolizei currently operates 19 helicopters of the Super Puma family. The aircraft are flown 365 days a year in missions as diverse as the transport of personnel over large distances and under difficult weather conditions, e.g. VIP transport, complex search and rescue missions and disaster relief operations. For each mission the helicopters need to be converted extremely quickly as high availability is key for conducting successful operations.

“We are very proud of our long track record of successful cooperation with the Bundespolizei,” said Wolfgang Schoder, CEO of Airbus Helicopters Germany. “The H215 is exactly the right solution to meet the demanding mission requirements of national police forces.”

The heavy-weight, twin-engine H215 helicopter is a member of the Super Puma family, designed to operate in a variety of missions such as aerial work with internal and external loads, law enforcement, medical evacuation, SAR, and humanitarian missions. It combines advanced avionics with a reliable platform, offering outstanding performance for long-distance flights, high speed, excellent payload capacity and very good lifting performance. The aircraft is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art equipment. This includes a glass cockpit and the new 4-axis autopilot, which provides flight envelope protection, unrivalled precision, and stability in even the harshest operating conditions. 

Airbus Helicopters is the global market leader for police helicopters: it has delivered close to 50 percent of these helicopters in the last ten years. Around 300 customers based in 60 countries have been operating Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft for law-enforcement missions for decades.