Preserving capacity, General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff, Keys to Canadian SAR
Issue link: http://vanguardcanada.uberflip.com/i/139409
INSIDE INDUSTRY I Vector Aerospace eyes griffon avionics upgrade As budgets tighten, the RCAF is looking hard at a midlife upgrade to the CH-146 Griffon helicopter rather than a near-term replacement program. At the recent Air Force Outlook in Ottawa, Air Requirements staff noted a plan to retain the Griffon for the near future and look into a limited life extension program for its avionics systems. Vector Aerospace has built a reputation on precisely that kind of work. During CANSEC, the Richmond-based company displayed its CH146 Griffon Cockpit Demonstrator, a solution based on Rockwell Collins' AFD-3010E. Vector says it has experience on over 500 cockpit upgrades on various aircraft and the Griffon is an ideal candidate for such a facelift. Elvis Moniz, VP of operations, noted that the Griffon operates with a multitude of aged analog instruments, gauges and devices that could be economically replaced. "The airframes are maintained as good as, or better than, any other fleet in the world, and with a fresh cockpit, will position the helicopter to continue flying various challenging missions for many years to come." Captain Jim Pinhorn in a CH-146 Griffon. Photo: MCpl Robert Bottrill Nexter's VBCI has proven itself in high-intensity combat to keep soldiers safe from a variety of threats. For Canada's Close Combat Vehicle Program, the VBCI will deliver exceptional reliability, versatility and mobility for the Canadian Army. To be built in Canada by Canadians, the VBCI offers low acquisition and operating costs and superb value for taxpayers. Protecting soldiers is our number one Priority nexter.ca 5051B_Nexter_Ad_Final.indd 1 www.vanguardcanada.com JUNE/JULY 2013 11 2013-03-20 8:10 AM