Vanguard Magazine

Already active on NSPS projects, L-3 Canada Marine Systems is making it easier to find the products and services Canada's future warships will need. L-3 Canada Marine Systems Thirty years ago, L-3 worked closely with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) on the concept of an Integrated Platform Manage- ment System, or IPMS. Today, L-3 divisions are working on Canada's next-generation warships, retrofitting the IPMS for the Hal- ifax-class frigates, providing the Integrated Communications Systems for the Arctic/ Offshore Patrol Ship and providing the IPMS for Davie Shipyard's interim Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment Ship (AOR). While L-3 is widely known in the defence and security industry for its comprehensive naval expertise, it's also known as a company with a significant number of operating divi- sions. In fact, a quick look on L-3's website reveals approximately 80 divisions located around the world, five of those in Canada. Given its extensive breadth and depth, L-3 felt that it was important to help Canadian customers navigate inside L-3 and zero in on the right solution quickly and efficiently. This is especially important in light of the considerable work being generated from the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strat- egy. To accomplish this, L-3 recently estab- lished L-3 Canada Marine Systems, operat- ing out of the L-3 Canada office in Ottawa. Vanguard interviewed Wendy Allerton, Director, L-3 Canada Marine Systems, about recent changes the company has made and why she feels L-3 is well-posi- tioned to assist the RCN, Government de- partments, shipyards and large integrators in the development and support of Cana- da's future fleet. Q L-3 Communications recently created L-3 Canada Marine Systems, also known as L-3 CMS. What was the driving force behind this decision, and why now? L-3 CMS provides a single, direct point of contact where our Canadian customers can access our broad portfolio of marine solutions, products and services that is supported by L-3 business divisions across Canada, the United States and Europe. CMS is designed with the needs of our customers in mind so they can find the ex- act products and services they need, when and where they need them. It's a perfect fit with L-3's strategy of expanding its in- ternational offerings and reinforces our tag line, "Connecting Canadian Custom- ers with Marine Solutions." Q There's a lot of work up for grabs through NSPS, but there's also stiff competition. What advantages does L-3 CMS offer over other companies? L-3 is a total integrated solutions provid- er. Furthermore, our extensive footprint and expertise supported by L-3's global infrastructure makes complex projects our sweet spot. By drawing on our vast resources and collaborative company cul- ture, L-3 has an impressive record of ac- complishment in Canada on Halifax-class frigates, Maritime Coastal Defence Ves- sels, Victoria-class submarines, and even the Orca-class training vessel. As one of the largest defence companies in Cana- da, our success at home has helped us to compete successfully in a global naval and marine marketplace, which in turn, brings jobs and economic value back to Canada. Q What types of solutions does a "total integrated solutions provider" actually provide? The list is long. We offer one of the most comprehensive suites of products and ser- vices for new or retrofit surface ship and submarine projects in the industry, includ- ing: integrated shipboard communications systems, secure communications/ISR, In- tegrated Platform Management Systems/, Battle Damage Control Systems, CCTV, Equipment Health Monitoring, EO/IR systems, underwater sonar solutions, visual landing aids, universal modular masts, tac- tical data links, power node control center, switchboards and generators, degaussing systems, , Integrated Power and Propul- sion solutions, innovative shock-hardened circuits and switchgear and marine electri- cal distribution and control equipment, ship modernization, weapons handling and storage solutions, integrated bridge sys- tems, gun optical sights, Integrated Logis- tics Services and In-Service Support. Q With that range of capability, L-3 CMS must be preparing to compete in quite a few future NSPS programs… Among the many initiatives we are target- ing — both for new and retrofit classes of RCN and Coast Guard programs — are the Halifax-class, Victoria-class, Canadian Surface Combatant, Joint Support Ship, Underwater Warfare Suite Upgrade, Arc- tic Offshore Patrol Ship and Joint Support Ship In-Service Support and a selection of Coast Guard Vessels. Q These are complex projects that demand the ability to work effectively with a multitude of partners involved with the construction or support of Canada's warships. What is L-3's track-record like in this area? We are very accustomed to working with other industrial partners both in Canada and internationally. L-3 MAPPS provided the original Integrated Platform Manage- ment System and is now retrofitting the IPMS for the Halifax-class under direct contract to Canada, working closely with Irving and Seaspan/Victoria Shipyards. Irving is our AOPS customer for the IPMS and Lockheed Martin Canada, is our customer for the Integrated Commu- nications System. We have worked with most of the companies that are likely CSC contenders on other programs in various countries. Our proven expertise in large naval programs around the world, along with our excellent relationships with other top tier companies and excellent subcon- tractors, are major assets in delivering on large-scale, complex projects. Wendy Allerton, Director, L-3 Canada Marine Systems www.vanguardcanada.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 23 I INDUSTRY PROFILE by Vanguard Staff

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