Vanguard Magazine

6DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025 www.vanguardcanada.com S SIT REP RCAF Training Reaching New Heights With Virtual Reality: OVA's StellarX Project Secures $1M+ Contract Five Eyes Alliance Unveils 'Secure Innovation' Initiative to Safeguard Emerging Tech Against Security Threats A bold new step in aerospace training got underway on 1 No- vember 2024 as OVA landed a contract worth over $1 mil- lion from the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technol- ogy and Engineering (CFSATE). This institution, integral to the training of Aerospace Engineering Officers and Aircraft Techni- cians for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), will leverage OVA's advanced virtual reality (VR) solutions to redefine its training methodologies. At the heart of this initiative is StellarX, OVA's cutting-edge AI-driven virtual and mixed reality software. The project in- volves the creation of three immersive VR training scenarios designed to elevate the skills of Air Maintenance Technicians and Aerospace Engineering Officers. These scenarios will fo- cus on the CT155 Hawk ground training aircraft, incorporating sophisticated AI to construct highly realistic and interactive environments. To further enhance the experience, OVA's team of 3D artists will develop a comprehensive digital twin of the CT155 Hawk and its Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour Mk. 871 Turbofan Engine. "OVA is focused on helping CFSATE bring engine mechanics to life in a brand-new AI-enabled extended reality experience. Normally, metal casings and invisible air make it tough for students to get a clear view, but with StellarX, those obstacles disappear, giving students an up-close understanding at how everything works," explained Tim Purdy, Project Manager. A CT-155 Hawk is prepared for road move to 16 Wing/CFB Borden at the Collingwood, Ontario airport. Safeguard Emerging Tech Against Security Threats. Image source: https://www.pexels.com In a move to bolster the protection of the tech industry from national security threats, the Five Eyes intelligence alliance introduced a new initiative on 28 October called Secure Inno- vation. This collaboration is aimed at offering critical security guidance to startups, researchers, and investors in the tech space, especially to counter risks posed by hostile state actors. The initiative marks the latest step in a joint effort by Five Eyes partners — Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States — to protect their technology sectors. "Innovation drives collective prosperity and security, yet the threats to innovation are increasing in both scale and complexity. To meet this challenge, CSIS and our Five Eyes partners have launched the Secure Innovation security advice initiative to help build security awareness among tech com- panies, researchers, and investors in the Five Eyes to ensure the safety, security, and prosperity of our respective econo- mies," explained Dan Rogers, Director, Canadian Security Intel- ligence Service (CSIS). Secure Innovation seeks to raise awareness of the often- overlooked vulnerabilities faced by the tech sector, highlight- ing how state-sponsored actors frequently target critical tech- nology and research for their own advantage. By following this guidance, tech businesses can enhance security measures that protect not only their intellectual property but also their overall market reputation and long-term success.

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