Vanguard Magazine

tralian Air Force (RAAF) Legacy F/A-18 aircraft to baseline and transition them into the Canadian fleet. With an unparalleled level of knowledge and skills on fighter aircraft, L3Harris has become a strategic asset for Canada and a competitive industry leader on the inter- national market. L3Harris is More than Just Fighters L3Harris is the Original Equipment Man- ufacturer (OEM) of the CT-114 Tutor, Canada's former pilot trainer and now the aircraft used by Canada's iconic Snowbirds Air Demonstration Squadron. Recently de- signed and in the process of prototyping is a new glass cockpit for the venerable Tutor. L3Harris is also the fleet manager and ISS lead for Canada's CC-150 Polaris aircraft, which the government uses as a tanker for air-to-air refuelling and a pas- senger/cargo transport capability, includ- ing VVIP transport. Working closely with the RCAF and the aircraft OEM, Airbus, L3Harris has successfully maintained im- pressive operational availability rates, both at home and deployed, for this strategic asset. They play a leading role in keep- ing the avionics and systems on board the aircraft operationally relevant. In addition, L3Harris provides the sus- tainment for Canada's CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft avionics, systems and software, ensuring this strategic capa- bility remains operationally effective and available. It Really is All About the People L3Harris is home to a passionate, com- mitted and skilled workforce of engineers, technicians and support staff. Over the years, they have successfully leveraged ca- pabilities to create and sustain over 1,100 high-technology jobs at 13 different op- erating centers across Canada. With over 350 engineers and technologists, L3Har- ris has established the largest non-OEM aerospace engineering team in Canada, offering an exceptional range of engineer- ing skills under one roof to support the full range of customer requirements, from small to highly complex projects. Its aircraft modification facility located in one of the world's largest aerospace clus- ters, thus providing it with an extensive in- dustrial network of suppliers, partners and recruiting sources. "L3Harris is a really great place to work, not only because of our exciting Defence mandate, technology and use of innova- tion, but also because we are committed to employee engagement, diversity and inclusion," Paniconi added. Ready for the Next Generation The RCAF is heading towards a very ex- citing future as it recapitalizes many of its major fleets to introduce new, leading ca- pabilities. L3Harris sees its significant part- nership with the RCAF not only continu- ing, but growing, as its proven capabilities are leveraged to support these new fleets. A perfect example is Canada's Future Fighter Capability (FFCP) project, where the government is in final negotiations to acquire F-35 aircraft. With L3Harris' pedigree on Fighter aircraft sustainment and its position as Canada's only Fighter Centre of Excellence, Canada would be well served to select L3Harris as its part- ner to set-up and run an F-35 airframe depot. This national capability will help secure Canada's sovereignty, but also put www.vanguardcanada.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2022 23 PERSPECTIVE Sponsored Content Canadian industry in a position to tap into the massive U.S. F-35 market as a North American airframe depot, thus creating hundreds of high-value jobs for Canadians. L3Harris represents Canada's best chance for success to secure this lucrative opportu- nity and recoup its investment. Paniconi added, "The F-35 clearly repre- sents the best option for Canada and we are thrilled to have an agreement with the OEM to ensure our leading capa- bilities will be there to continue serving Canada's future fighter community." L3Harris is also targeting an opportu- nity with Canada's Future Aircrew Train- ing program, as a Tier 1 subcontractor on the Babcock Leonardo Canadian Aircrew Training (BLCAT) team, to provide its leading ISS expertise across all fleets of training aircraft. BLCAT has built an im- pressive pan-Canadian team for this pro- gram, including significant opportunities for indigenous-owned and small enterpris- es in Western Canada. In addition, Canada will replace the aging CC-150 fleet with the Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft for its Strategic Tanker Transport Capability project. Pointing to over ten years of successfully maintaining and pre- paring the CC-150s for a wide range of mis- sions, both at home and deployed, L3Harris is the best qualified to continue to deliver the mission availability the RCAF demands. "L3Harris has an excellent, long-stand- ing and successful relationship with Air- bus, Canada, DND and the RCAF," Paniconi told Vanguard. "Based on our record of service, we believe we are the best and lowest risk partner to sup- port Airbus in its effort to introduce the A330 MRTT into Canada." An Impressive Legacy and Even More Exciting Future L3Harris is extremely proud of its success- ful history and is excited about future op- portunities. While the company is firmly focused on what lies ahead, it remains true to its purpose: to enable the critical RCAF mission through the delivery of stellar in- tegrated support solutions with the never- ending pursuit of innovation. L3Harris is honored to be the ISS pro- vider on so many vital aircraft fleets and it stands ready to support the RCAF with its homegrown talent base and impressive capability, continuing its rich legacy of air- craft sustainment in Canada.

• Cover