GA-ASI, CAE partner for Canadian ISTAR, strike needs

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, a leading manufacturer of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), tactical reconnaissance radars, and surveillance systems, and CAE today announced that the companies have signed an exclusive teaming agreement to offer the Predator B UAS to meet Canada's Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) needs.

"GA-ASI's establishment of a formal partnership with CAE signifies a firm commitment by both companies to help Canada strengthen its security and sovereignty both at home and abroad," said Frank Pace, president, Aircraft Systems Group, GA-ASI. "CAE's expertise in the operation and maintenance of large fleets of manned aircraft, modelling and simulation technologies, and in-service support solutions is well matched by GA-ASI's proficiency in the design, development, production, and operational support of proven, affordable, and responsive unmanned aircraft systems with integrated reconnaissance payloads."

Under the program presently referred to as the JUSTAS program, the Canadian Government will establish a requirement to field and support interoperable, network-enabled UASs to provide ISTAR and all-weather precision-strike capabilities in support of its operations worldwide. GA-ASI and CAE will jointly compete for this program, with GA-ASI serving as the prime contractor supporting a US Foreign Military Sale (FMS) procurement. The teaming arrangement between GA-ASI and CAE is designed to offer the best combination of experience and proven capability to meet program and Canadian-specific requirements while reducing technical, cost, and schedule risks.

As the first-tier Canadian subcontractor, CAE would have overall responsibility for a comprehensive In-Service Support (ISS) solution, including operator and mission training systems; integration with Canada's existing Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) infrastructure; systems engineering support; and lifecycle and integrated logistics support services. CAE would also have responsibility for assembling a pan-Canadian team of companies to develop and support any Canadian-specific requirements and content for Canada's national ISTAR capabilities.

"Just as unmanned systems are transforming today's military operations, CAE has transformed itself in recent years as much more than a flight simulation company," said Martin Gagne, CAE's group president, Military Products, Training and Services. "Our experience and expertise in operational and in-service support, as well as modelling and simulation for both manned and unmanned systems, makes CAE the ideal Canadian partner for GA-ASI, and well-positioned to support the Canadian Government as our country acquires a critical UAS capability."

Featuring an extensive payload capacity (850 lb/385 kg internally, 3,000 lb/1360 kg externally), the multi-mission Predator B is a long-endurance, medium-high-altitude UAS that can be used for surveillance, military reconnaissance, and targeting missions. The aircraft has a maximum gross takeoff weight of 10,500 lb/4763 kg, is powered by a Honeywell turboprop engine, has a maximum altitude of 50,000 feet/15240 meters, and can stay aloft for up to 30 hours. Currently operational as MQ-9 Reaper with the US Air Force and Royal Air Force and as MQ-9 with the Italian Air Force, Predator B provides unparalleled close air support and persistent situational awareness to coalition forces, demonstrating proven NATO interoperability.

Source: GA-ASI

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