CMC Electronics, Canadian DND Conduct Successful Flight Tests Of CP-140 Aurora For Avionics / Navigation Modernization Program
(MONTREAL, Canada and Farnborough International Air Show - July 19, 2004) CMC Electronics Inc. continues successfully to meet program milestones as prime contractor for the CP-140 Aurora (Canadian version of P-3 Orion) Navigation & Flight Instruments Modernization Project for Canada's Department of National Defence (DND). CMC Electronics has supplied the new avionics suite installed by IMP Aerospace of Nova Scotia, on the prototype CP-140 aircraft, which completed a successful first test flight in May 2004. As of late June, CMC and DND have completed over 50 flight hours and are cleared for Instrument Flight Rules flight using the navigation and flight instruments. The flight test phase is the final and most complex aspect of the project and is expected to be completed by autumn 2004.
CMC is the systems integrator and avionics management systems supplier for this contract, valued at $75 million (CDN). As prime contractor, CMC Electronics has total responsibility for a turnkey project that provides proven avionics equipment and significantly enhanced systems reliability to support existing missions, while offering a clear growth path to meet future performance requirements and incremental system upgrades. DND awarded the contract to CMC Electronics in August 2000.
"This flight is the first major step towards the modernization of Canada's fleet of Aurora aircraft," said General Ray Henault, Chief of the Defence Staff. "The updated aircraft will enhance the ability of our pilots and aircrews to protect and safeguard our coastlines."
Bob Atac, Vice President, Military Aviation, CMC Electronics, stated: "The CP-140 upgrade program provides a proven baseline for a cockpit upgrade solution. As a result of developing, integrating, testing and installing the system, CMC has the tools and knowledge needed to offer a complete solution to other P-3 users, significantly reducing the costs and risks associated with their avionics upgrade program."
This DND program represents a major initiative aimed at sustaining the CP-140 Aurora's long-term capabilities. The CP-140 long-range patrol aircraft must remain capable of supporting combined multinational missions as well as independent assignments in both domestic and international, civilian and military situations.
CMC Electronics has earned an international reputation for the design and production of innovative, highly reliable military and commercial electronics products for the aviation and global positioning markets. Its principal locations are in Montreal, Quebec; Ottawa, Ontario; and Chicago, IL. CMC Electronics is a private company controlled by an investor group led by ONCAP L.P. ONCAP is a CDN $400 million investment fund established by Onex Corporation and a number of leading Canadian financial institutions. Onex is a diversified company with annual consolidated revenues of approximately CDN $16 billion and consolidated assets of approximately CDN $14 billion. Onex is one of Canada's largest companies with global operations in the service, manufacturing and technology industries.
Contact
Mrs. Janka Dvornik
Public Relations Manager
CMC Electronics Inc.
Farnborough Hall 4, Booth #C19-A
Telephone: (514) 748-3113
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Mr. Ed Robichaud
Military Aviation Marketing Director
CMC Electronics Inc.
Farnborough Hall 4, Booth #C19-A
Telephone: (613) 592-7454
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